1
|
Logrieco MG, Casula L, Ciuffreda GN, Novello RL, Spinelli M, Lionetti F, Nicolì I, Fasolo M, Giovanni V, Stefano V. Risk and protective factors of quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families during the COVID-19 lockdown. An Italian study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 120:104130. [PMID: 34826776 PMCID: PMC8602998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult period for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their families. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of children with ASD and their parents throughout the first lockdown, providing a snapshot of the impact of the pandemic on these families life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES A cohort of 243 parents of children with ASD (2-15 years old) completed an original online survey regarding the modification of ASD cores symptoms during lockdown, the type of interventions they had done before and during lockdown and the activities performed by the child. Respondents filled the PedsQL for themselves and their children. OUTCOME AND RESULTS The data obtained show a worsening of specific ASD core symptoms during lockdown and their role in predicting parents and children's QoL. Furthermore, protective factors for a better children's QoL as the Telehealth intervention, and some activities done at home during the lockdown as physical activity and play with parents are identified. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies the QoL's risk and protective factors for children with ASD and their families. Furthermore, reveals the fundamental role of the parents as children's QoL protective factor, suggesting a higher collaboration between families and health care providers, whilst potentially improving families and children's QoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Logrieco
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Laura Casula
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | | | - Roberta Lucia Novello
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - Maria Spinelli
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Nicolì
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Department of Neuroscience Imagingand Clinical Sciences, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti, CH, Italy.
| | - Valeri Giovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165, Rome, RM, Italy.
| | - Vicari Stefano
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant' Onofrio, 4 00165 Rome, RM, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|