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Xie YT, Yang YJ. Research fronts and researchers of World Journal of Psychiatry in 2023: A visualization and analysis of mapping knowledge domains. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:1118-1126. [PMID: 39050206 PMCID: PMC11262920 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i7.1118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the rapidly evolving landscape of psychiatric research, 2023 marked another year of significant progress globally, with the World Journal of Psychiatry (WJP) experiencing notable expansion and influence. AIM To conduct a comprehensive visualization and analysis of the articles published in the WJP throughout 2023. By delving into these publications, the aim is to determine the valuable insights that can illuminate pathways for future research endeavors in the field of psychiatry. METHODS A selection process led to the inclusion of 107 papers from the WJP published in 2023, forming the dataset for the analysis. Employing advanced visualization techniques, this study mapped the knowledge domains represented in these papers. RESULTS The findings revealed a prevalent focus on key topics such as depression, mental health, anxiety, schizophrenia, and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019. Additionally, through keyword clustering, it became evident that these papers were predominantly focused on exploring mental health disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and related factors. Noteworthy contributions hailed authors in regions such as China, the United Kingdom, United States, and Turkey. Particularly, the paper garnered the highest number of citations, while the American Psychiatric Association was the most cited reference. CONCLUSION It is recommended that the WJP continue in its efforts to enhance the quality of papers published in the field of psychiatry. Additionally, there is a pressing need to delve into the potential applications of digital interventions and artificial intelligence within the discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Tian Xie
- Department of Applied Psychology, Changsha Normal University, Changsha 410100, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yu-Jing Yang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Changsha Normal University, Changsha 410100, Hunan Province, China
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Berson J, Adams SN. Experiences of caregivers of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 71:e1-e12. [PMID: 39099285 PMCID: PMC11304107 DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a profoundly negative impact on people all over the world, particularly those with disabilities such as autism. However, there are gaps in research understanding the impact of COVID-19 on this population and the support required. AIM To explore the evidence available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of children with autism. METHOD A scoping review methodology using the Arksey and O'Malley framework was employed. Five electronic databases from March 2020 to December 2022 were reviewed. Two thousand two hundred and six articles were retrieved with primary search terms: caregivers (population), autism (diagnosis) and COVID-19 (context). Following the screening of titles, abstracts and articles, 36 articles were included in the final review. Thematic and content qualitative analysis was completed. RESULTS Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided the reporting of the findings. Three main themes were identified: (1) caregiver's mental health and wellbeing, (2) response to remote health care and support and (3) caregiver resilience. CONCLUSION The pandemic affected children with autism and their families regarding changes in routine, difficulties with support and emotional states. However, little research has been conducted on the impact in upper-middle-income countries such as South Africa.Contribution: The findings from this review carry practical implications that extend beyond the pandemic, such as political instability or natural disasters that may present similar stressors for children with autism and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Berson
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
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Rosen AO, Hidalgo MD, Mistler CB, Balluerka N, Gorostiaga A, Gómez-Benito J, Holmes AL, Huedo-Medina TB. Our lifestyles are back to 'normal', but is our mental health? Longitudinal assessment of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among Spanish adults: April 2021 to August 2022. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003389. [PMID: 39018295 PMCID: PMC11253917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on mental health since its start in 2020 and current data on mental health is limited. This study provides recent longitudinal data on psychological distress among a country-wide sample of adults. We recruited and surveyed 1,956 adults in Spain in April 2021 and August 2022 on sociodemographic- and pandemic-related psychological distress using the General Distress 21-item version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Paired sampled t-tests assessed DASS scores by sex from April 2021 to August 2022; and one-way ANOVAs assessed DASS scores across sociodemographic characteristics. Results showed that psychological distress slightly improved across the total sample from April 2021 to August 2022; though females, young adults, students, and individuals with lower income experienced more psychological distress. Increases in severe stress scores were found particularly among men. Our data provides an overview of the psychological distress of Spanish adults 2.5 years into the pandemic and provides novel evidence that though life has resumed a sense of normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of key populations (e.g., females, young adults, students, low-income) is still suffering and further intervention and resources are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviana O. Rosen
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Colleen B. Mistler
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nekane Balluerka
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain
| | - Arantxa Gorostiaga
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain
| | - Juana Gómez-Benito
- Group on Measurement Invariance and Analysis of Change (GEIMAC), Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Social Psychology and Quantitative Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ashley L. Holmes
- Department of Health Policy, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C, United States of America
| | - Tania B. Huedo-Medina
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain
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Kaur A, Lall G, Abhilashi M, Naithani L, Verma M, Roy R, Juneja M, Gulati S, Taylor C, Leadbitter K, Patel V, Green J, Divan G. Locked down-locked in: experiences of families of young children with autism spectrum disorders in Delhi, India. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1294538. [PMID: 38362218 PMCID: PMC10867826 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1294538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in March 2020 disrupted the lives of families across India. The lockdown related restrictions brought forth a multitude of challenges including loss of employment, social isolation, school closures and financial burdens. Specifically, it also resulted in the restriction of health-care services for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methods This qualitative study was conducted as a part of a larger trial in India to understand the experiences of families of young children with autism during the pandemic. In-depth interviews were carried out with 14 caregivers residing in New Delhi, India. Results Our findings identified pandemic and lockdown's universal impacts on family life and financial stability stemming from job loss, business closure, and salary deductions, affecting quality of life of families. Furthermore, COVID-19 pandemic's impact on autistic children was evident through limited access to essential services and financial challenges related service interruptions even after resumption of services. The lockdown's novelty also affected children's behavior, with both challenging behavioral changes and positive impacts. Primary caregivers, predominantly mothers, assumed additional responsibilities in household tasks, schooling, and therapy administration. While some these experiences were universally experienced, a few of these improved outcomes for autistic children. Despite challenges, parents expressed gratitude for their family's safety and well-being during the difficult time. Discussions These findings inform service provision for vulnerable families and offer implications for designing interventions such as credit schemes for families, guidance and resources for establishing and maintaining routines of children with autism, adopting flexible and adaptable approaches to service delivery, and special provisions for children with autism to be able to maintain their routines outside of home. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for comprehensive support, including educational resources and stress management counselling to empower parents in supporting essential care and routines for their children during such unprecedented times.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mamta Verma
- Sangath, Child Development Group, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Monica Juneja
- Maulana Azad Medical College Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Carol Taylor
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kathy Leadbitter
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Green
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gauri Divan
- Sangath, Child Development Group, New Delhi, India
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Windarwati HD, Lestari R, Hidayah R, Hasan H, Ati NAL, Kusumawati MW, Selena IN, Dumar B, Rahayu G. Institutional and family support impact on health-related quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2024; 37:e12450. [PMID: 38403996 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEMS Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have a notably poorer quality of life than the general population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the association between institutional support and family support on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2022 in a School for Special Needs in Malang City, East Java Province, Indonesia. The pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) and Institutional and Family Support questionnaire were used to measure the HRQoL and support perceived by parents of children with ASD. We analyzed each component of the PedsQL and the Institutional and Family Support questionnaire. The independent T-test was performed to analyze the association between HRQoL and perceived support by parents of children with ASD. FINDINGS The results showed that most participants (72.7%) were women aged 40. As many as 69.39% of participants had more than one child, and 16.33% declared they had other children who experienced the same problem (special needs children). This study indicated that the average health-related quality of life score in children with ASD was 57.41 (9.418). The finding of this study showed a significant mean difference in HRQoL scores in children with ASD who received high institutional and family support compared to those who had low (p = 0.028, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -11.071 to 0.664). CONCLUSION Institutional support positively impacts children with ASD's quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to improve the adequacy of support felt by families while caring for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heni D Windarwati
- Department Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Retno Lestari
- Department Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Ridhoyanti Hidayah
- Department Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Haliza Hasan
- Department of Special Care Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kulliyyah of Nursing, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Niken A L Ati
- Department of Community, Family & Geriatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia
| | - Mira W Kusumawati
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Kusuma Husada, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Irhamna N Selena
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Bergita Dumar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Gemi Rahayu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
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Cleary M, West S, Johnston-Devin C, Kornhaber R, McLean L, Hungerford C. Collateral Damage: The Impacts of School Exclusion on the Mental Health of Parents Caring for Autistic Children. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:3-8. [PMID: 38190434 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2280718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite legislative and policy mechanisms that promote inclusion in education for children with disabilities, many students still experience exclusion from the education setting. For example, autistic children are more likely than their neurotypical counterparts to be expelled or suspended from school or to refuse to attend school on an ongoing basis. This situation gives rise to various challenges for their parents. This discursive paper synthesizes current knowledge on school exclusion involving autistic children, including the causes and consequences of exclusionary practices. The paper also considers the negative impacts of these exclusionary practices on the emotional and psychological well-being of parents and caregivers. Mental health nurses who understand the issues related to school exclusion can better support the educational, social, and developmental needs of autistic children and the mental health needs of parents or caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sancia West
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rachel Kornhaber
- School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Charles Sturt University, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
- Western Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine Hungerford
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Cañizares M, Unnerstall A, Graaf G. COVID-19 Modifications in Public Home- and Community-Based Services for Children with Mental Health Needs. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024; 51:85-102. [PMID: 37976019 PMCID: PMC10962056 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Eleven states offer 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers to organize and fund programs that provide in-home and community support services to address the unique needs of children and youth with complex mental health concerns and their families. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic-imposed restrictions on community movement and school engagement were enacted, these children and youth lost in-person access to needed supports through school-based programs and professional community providers. The well documented mental health impacts of the pandemic on children and youth necessitates understanding how behavioral health programs and policies were adapted to the constraints of pandemic life for this uniquely at-risk population. This study examines and characterizes trends in modifications made to these programs. Appendix K applications amending HCBS waiver programs targeting children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) were collected from the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) website. In total, 33 applications from 10 states were included in the study. Utilizing a policy mapping approach, applications were coded by hand comparing text from elements in the applications across all 10 states. A summary of program changes reported in applications was created and changes were tracked over the course of the federal public health emergency. States modified programs by adding services for waiver participants, changing the service settings allowed, removing service limit restrictions, and offering electronic/remote service delivery. All states also issued measures to either expand or retain their provider workforce, adding family members as providers, modifying experience requirements, and offering financial incentives via increased payment rates or retainer payments. Modifications to mental health assessment processes ranged from changing the evaluation tools or documentation requirements, extending deadlines, and allowing for remote evaluations. Service plan development processes were adapted by allowing virtual service plan development meetings, allowing participants or representatives to electronically sign plans of care, and permitting verbal consent to begin receiving services. Documenting programmatic adjustments provides a context for further research to understand the experiences of youth, families, and providers in navigating these changes and the relative success or failures of these policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cañizares
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 501 W. Mitchell Street, Box 19129, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Anna Unnerstall
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 501 W. Mitchell Street, Box 19129, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Genevieve Graaf
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 501 W. Mitchell Street, Box 19129, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA.
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Montenegro MC, Ramírez AC, Hernandez Rodriguez J, Villalobos BT, Garrido G, Amigo C, Valdez D, Barrios N, Cukier S, Rattazzi A, Rosoli A, García R, Paula CS, Liz GP, Montiel-Nava C. Where I am from matters: factors influencing behavioral and emotional changes in autistic individuals during COVID-19 in Latin America. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1283326. [PMID: 38188048 PMCID: PMC10770844 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1283326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic brought an increased incidence of disease and mortality in the world at large, making it a particularly salient and stressful life event. For those individuals residing in Latin America, the pandemic was met with fragmented healthcare systems, economic downturn, and sociopolitical crisis which puts autistic individuals at risk for more detrimental outcomes. Behavioral and emotional challenges experienced by autistic individuals at the beginning of the pandemic could later develop into more severe symptomatology as the pandemic progresses. The present study aimed to explore changes in dysregulated (overt and internalizing) behaviors and preoccupation with getting sick during the COVID-19 pandemic among autistic children in 7 Latin American countries. Method Sample consisted of 1,743 caregivers, residing in: Argentina (n = 677, 38.8%) Brazil (n = 156, 9%), Chile (n = 251, 14.4%), Dominican Republic (n = 171, 9.8%), Mexico (n = 126, 7.2%), Uruguay (n = 259, 14.9%) and Venezuela (n = 103, 5.9%). The majority of caregivers who completed the questionnaire were mothers (85.1%), and most had a male autistic child (81.6%). A series of independent sample t-tests were conducted to assess country differences in dysregulated behaviors and preoccupation with getting sick. Linear regressions were conducted to identify which demographic characteristics and micro-level contextual factors predicted dysregulated overt behaviors and psychological changes. Results Contextual factors, such as country of residence, were related to preoccupation with getting sick and dysregulated behavior. Particularly, residing in Mexico and Brazil were related to changes in preoccupation with getting sick and mental health concerns. Coexistence predicted dysregulated internalizing behaviors, while being older significantly predicted preoccupation with getting sick. Increased screen time only predicted anxiety. Conclusion Our findings highlight differences and predictions of behavioral challenges and psychological changes based on certain contextual factors and individual characteristics while experiencing severe life stressors such as a worldwide pandemic. This knowledge could help inform policies and decrees aimed at protecting those most vulnerable due to their increased difficulty adapting to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cecilia Montenegro
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | - Ana C. Ramírez
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | | | - Bianca T. Villalobos
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Daniel Valdez
- Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO), Ayacucho, Argentina
| | - Natalia Barrios
- Programa Argentino para Niños, Adolescentes y Adultos con Condiciones del Espectro Autista (PANAACEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Cukier
- Programa Argentino para Niños, Adolescentes y Adultos con Condiciones del Espectro Autista (PANAACEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alexia Rattazzi
- Programa Argentino para Niños, Adolescentes y Adultos con Condiciones del Espectro Autista (PANAACEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Rosoli
- Organización Estados Iberoamericanos para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura (OEI), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | | | - Cristiane S. Paula
- Developmental Disorder Program, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Georgina Pérez Liz
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cecilia Montiel-Nava
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
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Pondé MP, da Silva Reis VF, Andrade E Silva NM, Siquara GM. Symptoms of anxiety and depression and quality of life in parents of children with autism during the second wave of the pandemic. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 143:104620. [PMID: 37918177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local political discord together with isolation and fear marked the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. AIMS To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and analyze adult quality of life (QoL) during the pandemic in four groups: "childless", "children without mental problems", "children with autism" and "children with other mental problems." METHODS AND PROCEDURES A sample of 867 individuals recruited using social media in northeastern Brazil completed the following instruments: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, Brazilian version), the WHOQOL-Bref, and a sociodemographic form OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The mean score for depression was significantly higher in the "children with autism" group compared to the other groups. The mean anxiety score was significantly higher in the "children with autism" and "childless" groups. Mean QoL scores were lower in the "children with autism" group compared to the other groups for all the domains, with this difference being statistically significant compared with the "children without mental problems" group for all the domains. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Anxiety and depression symptoms were greater and QoL scores were lower in parents of children with autism. All groups benefitted from logistic support during the pandemic, whereas having to care for others negatively impacted QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Pereira Pondé
- Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health (BAHIANA); Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Autism (LABIRINTO), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Victoria Faustino da Silva Reis
- Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health (BAHIANA); Member of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Autism (LABIRINTO), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Magalhães Andrade E Silva
- Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health (BAHIANA); Member of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Autism (LABIRINTO), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Marcelino Siquara
- Bahia School of Medicine and Public Health (BAHIANA); Coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory in Autism (LABIRINTO), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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McConkey R. Nurturing the Positive Mental Health of Autistic Children, Adolescents and Adults alongside That of Their Family Care-Givers: A Review of Reviews. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1645. [PMID: 38137093 PMCID: PMC10741576 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising prevalence of autism internationally has been accompanied by an increased appreciation of the poorer mental health experienced by people with this condition and also of their family care-givers. In particular, higher incidences of anxiety and depression are reported in high-income nations and these conditions are likely to be under-recognised and under-reported in lower-resourced regions or countries. Mainstream mental health services seem to be ill-equipped to respond adequately to the needs of autistic persons and their care-givers. This literature review of 29 recently published reviews covering nearly 1000 journal articles summarises the insights and strategies that have been shown to promote the mental health and emotional wellbeing of autistic persons. In particular, a focus on family-centred, community-based supports is recommended that aim to enhance social communication, extend social connections and promote an individual's self-esteem, self-determination and social motivation. These low-cost interventions are especially pertinent in low-resourced settings, but they can be used internationally to prevent mental illness and assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression in autistic persons and their family carers. The priority is to focus on primary-care responses with cross-sectoral working rather than investing in high-cost psychiatric provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy McConkey
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
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Palmer M, Chandler S, Carter Leno V, Mgaieth F, Yorke I, Hollocks M, Pickles A, Slonims V, Scott S, Charman T, Simonoff E. Factors associated with mental health symptoms among UK autistic children and young people and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2098-2111. [PMID: 36847345 PMCID: PMC9974376 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231153694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT What is already known about the topic: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions impacted all of society. There is emerging evidence showing a range of impacts on autistic children and young people and their families. Further research that looks at how individuals coped during the pandemic while considering how they were doing before the pandemic is needed.What this paper adds: This article explores whether how well autistic youth were doing before the pandemic influenced how they coped during the pandemic. It also looked at how well their parents were doing during the pandemic and whether any pre-pandemic factors influenced how they coped. Samples of both primary-school-aged autistic children and autistic teenagers and their parents were surveyed to answer these questions. More engagement and enjoyment in education provision during the pandemic and getting outside more were linked with better child and parental mental health during the pandemic. More attention deficit hyperactivity disorder before the pandemic was linked with more attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and behavioural problems during the pandemic in primary-school-aged autistic children, and more emotional problems during the pandemic in autistic teenagers. Parents with more mental health problems during the pandemic had more mental health problems before the pandemic.Implications for practice, research or policy: Encouraging engagement and enjoyment in education and promoting physical exercise are key intervention targets. Ensuring access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication and support is important, especially if this is managed jointly across school and home.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tony Charman
- King’s College London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Tsunoda K, Nagase K, Fujita K. Association of physical activity with psychological distress and happiness in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:450. [PMID: 37635213 PMCID: PMC10464457 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02597-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have severely impacted the psychological status of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although a previous study reported that physical activity (PA) moderated psychological distress in parents of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of PA on the happiness levels of such parents during the pandemic remains unclear. This study investigated the associations among PA, psychological distress, and happiness in mothers of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate mothers of children with disabilities. Questionnaires were collected from mothers living in Yamaguchi and Okayama Prefectures, Japan, between February and December 2022. During this period, three large waves of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in Japan. Of the 601 respondents, 334 mothers had children with ASD and offered valid data. PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Psychological distress and happiness were assessed using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). RESULTS The mothers had markedly higher K6 scores (6.49) and more than half of them had moderate-to-severe psychological distress, whereas the SHS scores (4.46) were similar to that of the general Japanese population. In a multivariable-adjusted model based on the analysis of covariance, the K6 score was not associated with any PA items. In contrast, SHS scores were positively associated with moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and total moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), independent of K6. In the post-hoc test, mothers who did some (4.52) or enough (≥ 150 min/week) MPA (4.56) had a higher SHS score than those who did not (4.09). Similarly, mothers who engaged in sufficient (≥ 600 MET-min/week) total MVPA had higher SHS scores (4.57) than those who did not engage in MVPA (4.12). CONCLUSIONS The mothers of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic had markedly higher psychological distress, though none of the PA items were associated with stress levels. However, PA was positively associated with happiness in mothers of children with ASD independent of their stress levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Tsunoda
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Yamaguchi Prefectural University, 6-2-1 Sakurabatake, 753-0021, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan.
| | - Kai Nagase
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Yamaguchi Prefectural University, 6-2-1 Sakurabatake, 753-0021, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kumi Fujita
- Faculty of Social Welfare, Yamaguchi Prefectural University, 6-2-1 Sakurabatake, 753-0021, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, Japan
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13
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刘 惠, 孙 文, 陈 强, 陈 柏, 毕 鸿. [A review of research on psychological and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:877-883. [PMID: 37668038 PMCID: PMC10484076 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2302153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been rapidly spreading worldwide and affecting the physical and mental health of the general population. It may have even more serious potential harm to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper provides a literature review on the psychological and behavioral problems experienced by children with ASD during the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as the factors influencing these issues. The findings of this review can serve as a basis for clinical research on ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - 柏宇 陈
- 山东中医药大学中医文献与文化研究院,山东济南250355
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Liu T, Martinez-Torres K, Mazzone J, Camarata S, Lense M. Brief Report: Telehealth Music-Enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training in Autism: A Single-Subject Feasibility Study of a Virtual Parent Coaching Intervention. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06053-z. [PMID: 37530912 PMCID: PMC10834845 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telehealth delivery increases accessibility of parent-mediated interventions that teach parents skills and support autistic children's social communication. Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), an evidence-based Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) focused on imitation skills, a common difficulty in autism, holds promise for telehealth-based parent training. Imitation is also a core component of musical play during childhood and the affordances of musical play/song naturally shape parent-child interactions. We evaluate the feasibility of a music-based, telehealth adaptation of RIT-music-enhanced RIT (tele-meRIT)-as a novel format for coaching parents in NDBI strategies. METHODS This single-subject, multiple baseline design study included 4 autistic children (32-53 months old) and their mothers. Parent-child dyads were recorded during 10-min free play probes at baseline, weekly tele-meRIT sessions, and one-week and one-month follow-up. Probes were coded for parents' RIT implementation fidelity, parent vocal musicality, and children's rate of spontaneous imitation. RESULTS No parent demonstrated implementation fidelity during baseline. All parents increased their use of RIT strategies, met fidelity by the end of treatment, and maintained fidelity at follow-up. Parent vocal musicality also increased from baseline. Intervention did not consistently increase children's imitation skills. A post-intervention evaluation survey indicated high parent satisfaction with tele-meRIT and perceived benefits to their children's social and play skills more broadly. CONCLUSION Implementing tele-meRIT is feasible. Although tele-meRIT additionally involved coaching in incorporating rhythmicity and song into play interactions, parents achieved fidelity in the RIT principles, suggesting one avenue by which music can be integrated within evidence-based parent-mediated NDBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Liu
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Keysha Martinez-Torres
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julie Mazzone
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Camarata
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Miriam Lense
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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15
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Kuhlthau KA, Traeger L, Luberto CM, Perez GK, Goshe BM, Fell L, Iannuzzi D, Park ER. Resiliency Intervention for Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Pilot Trial. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:1187-1195. [PMID: 36460184 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /OBJECTIVES Neurotypical siblings (NT siblings) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated risk for emotional distress and adjustment problems. Resiliency is the ability to cope and adapt with ongoing stressors. We conducted a randomized waitlist-controlled pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adapted virtual mind-body resiliency group intervention for teen NT siblings of children with ASD. METHODS We modified the Stress Management and Resiliency Training-Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NT siblings of children with ASD (SibChat). We randomly assigned teens (aged 14-17) to immediate intervention (IG) versus waitlist control (WLC). The intervention included eight 60-minute weekly video conference group sessions. We assessed feasibility (enrollment, attendance, and retention) and acceptability (post treatment survey and weekly relaxation response practice). We explored group differences in pre-post change scores for 1) stress coping (Measure of Current Status-A) and 2) resiliency (Current Experiences Scale) using independent samples t tests and effect size calculations. RESULTS We enrolled 83% of screened eligible teens. A total of 90% IG and 75% WLC participants attended at least 6/8 sessions. Among IG participants who completed the post treatment survey, 79% reported practicing relaxation response exercises at least "a few times a week". Comparing change in baseline to time 1, the IG showed better relative changes than the WLC group in stress coping (d = 0.60) and resiliency (d = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS Our pilot trial showed promising feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of SibChat on at least one of the 2 primary outcomes supporting further testing of the SibChat intervention. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION US National Library of Medicine. REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04369417. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04369417.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Kuhlthau
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics (KA Kuhlthau, L Fell, and D Iannuzzi), Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics (KA Kuhlthau), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
| | - Lara Traeger
- Department of Psychiatry (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Christina M Luberto
- Department of Psychiatry (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Boston, Mass; MGH Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine (CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Boston, Mass
| | - Giselle K Perez
- Department of Psychiatry (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; MGH Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine (CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Boston, Mass; Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Brett M Goshe
- Department of Psychiatry (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; MGH Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine (CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Boston, Mass
| | - Lucy Fell
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics (KA Kuhlthau, L Fell, and D Iannuzzi), Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass
| | - Dorothea Iannuzzi
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics (KA Kuhlthau, L Fell, and D Iannuzzi), Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Mass
| | - Elyse R Park
- Department of Psychiatry (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research Program (L Traeger, CM Luberto, GK Perez, and ER Park), Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of Psychiatry & Medicine, Boston, Mass; MGH Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine (CM Luberto, GK Perez, BM Goshe, and ER Park), Boston, Mass
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16
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Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Lecciso F. Teachers during the COVID-19 Era: The Mediation Role Played by Mentalizing Ability on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Anxious Trait, and Job Burnout. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:859. [PMID: 36613181 PMCID: PMC9820251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak caused severe changes in school activities over the past two years. Teachers underwent a re-planning of their teaching approaches, shifting from face-to-face teaching formats to remote ones. These challenges resulted in high levels of burnout. The identification of risk/protective factors contributing to burnout is crucial in order to inform intervention programs. Thus, we hypothesized a mediation role of teachers' mentalizing ability (processing of emotions, a component of mentalized affectivity) on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization (burnout dimension). Two reverse models were computed. Job satisfaction, teachers' age and gender, school grade, and length of teaching experience served as covariates. METHODS 466 (M(sd) = 46.2 (10.4) years) online questionnaires were completed by Italian teachers of primary (n = 204) and middle (n = 242) schools. Measures of burnout, depression, anxiety, and mentalization were administered. RESULTS The findings corroborated our hypotheses: in all models, processing emotions served as a mediator on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization, and on the reciprocal one. Job satisfaction positively impacted processing emotion, and negatively impacted depression and depersonalization; women teachers reported high levels of the anxious trait. CONCLUSIONS Overall, it can be concluded that the ability to mentalize has a beneficial impact on teachers' well-being. Policymaking, clinical, and research implications were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Yarger HA, Shariq D, Hickey AC, Giacobbe E, Dziura SL, Redcay E. Examining Adolescents' Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. MERRILL-PALMER QUARTERLY (WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY. PRESS) 2023; 69:1-29. [PMID: 38098477 PMCID: PMC10720734 DOI: 10.1353/mpq.2023.a909257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The current study characterized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders on adolescents' internalizing symptoms and assessed predictors of adolescents' internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. Seventy-nine adolescents (18 autistic, 61 nonautistic) and their parents who participated in a previous study and were at least 10 years old (M = 13.8, SD = 1.7) were invited to participate in three online follow-up surveys post-stay-at-home order (May through November 2020). Measures of children's anxiety and depressive symptoms, parenting practices, family togetherness, conflict, financial problems, and parental mental health during the pandemic were collected. Nonautistic adolescents experienced a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms across the beginning of the pandemic and a significant increase in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-stay-at-home order. Permissive parenting and financial problems predicted adolescents' depressive symptoms. Parental mental health difficulties and permissive parenting predicted adolescents' anxiety symptoms. Results underscore the need to support parents and youth.
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18
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Wang F, Memis I, Durocher JS, Furar E, Cavalcante L, Eshraghi RS, Samson AC, Van Herwegen J, Dukes D, Alessandri M, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Efficacy of coping mechanisms used during COVID-19 as reported by parents of children with autism. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283494. [PMID: 37053138 PMCID: PMC10101447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic's alterations to daily life have been especially challenging for families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), worsening the core features of ASD and overall mental health. With the increased need for effective coping, the current retrospective study used data from a survey regarding parent reports of how often their child with ASD used certain coping strategies (frequency), as well as the extent to which they felt their child benefitted from their use (efficacy) in mitigating stress during the pandemic. This retrospective study Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to evaluate whether there were significant differences in both frequency and efficacy ratings for each coping strategy, for the entire sample as well as for three children's age groups. Using Spearman's rank-order correlations, correlation coefficients between the frequency and efficacy of each coping strategy were explored. Results revealed that maladaptive strategies were used more frequently than adaptive strategies, while parent routine as the most frequently used and efficacious for all age groups. Additionally, for adaptive strategies, humor and focusing on the positive had the strongest correlations between frequency and efficacy ratings amongst all age groups. Of the maladaptive strategies, repetitive behaviors, rumination, and isolation had the strongest correlations for the youngest, middle, and oldest age groups, respectively. Further, for each age group, the adaptive coping strategies had stronger correlations between frequency and efficacy than the maladaptive ones. It is our hope that the results of this study will lay the foundation for developing adaptive coping strategies to alleviate stress in children with ASD. Further investigations using a larger cohort are warranted to determine effective coping strategies for individuals with ASD across a range of situations, including acute stressors (such as future public health emergencies and natural disasters), as well as common daily stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Wang
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Idil Memis
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer S Durocher
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Emily Furar
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Leylane Cavalcante
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rebecca S Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrea C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Alessandri
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Adrien A Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Mazzoni N, Bentenuto A, Filosofi F, Tardivo A, Strathearn L, Zarei K, De Falco S, Venuti P, Iandolo G, Giannotti M. Parenting a Child with a Neurodevelopmental Disorder during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantitative and Qualitative Cross-Cultural Findings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:499. [PMID: 36612822 PMCID: PMC9819011 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Research during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown a strong relationship between child symptoms, parental stress, and mental health challenges. The pandemic has changed family routines, worsening child symptomatology and parental burden. The aim of this study was to investigate how the magnitude of the perceived changes in child externalizing behavior, parental stress, and discontinuity of therapy-from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic-affected parental mental health during the pandemic. Moreover, we sought to compare these aspects cross-culturally between European countries and the USA. To these purposes, we asked Italian, Spanish, and U.S. parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) to complete an online survey. Quantitative results showed that increased parental stress may have contributed to a worsening in parental psychological distress, regardless of culture. Moreover, they suggested an indirect effect of child externalizing behaviors on parents' psychological distress via parental stress. Qualitative analyses highlighted that the lack, or discontinuity, of therapeutic activities may have been one of the key contributors to parenting burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, qualitative results highlighted resilience factors that could have decreased the risk of psychological problems during the pandemic, such as a strong sense of parental efficacy and the ability to adapt to changing family dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Mazzoni
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Arianna Bentenuto
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Fabio Filosofi
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Angela Tardivo
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
- Observation and Functional Diagnosis Division, PSISE Clinical and Developmental Psychological Service, Calle Albendiego 7, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lane Strathearn
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (Hawk-IDDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kasra Zarei
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Simona De Falco
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Paola Venuti
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iandolo
- Observation and Functional Diagnosis Division, PSISE Clinical and Developmental Psychological Service, Calle Albendiego 7, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, School of Biomedical Sciences, European University of Madrid, Calle Tajo S/N, (Urb. El Bosque), Villaviciosa de Odón (Madrid), 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele Giannotti
- Laboratory of Observation, Diagnosis and Educational (ODFLAB), Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Trento, Italy
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Wang L, Zhang H, Shang C, Liang H, Liu W, Han B, Xia W, Zou M, Sun C. Mental health issues in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A multi-time-point study related to COVID-19 pandemic. Autism Res 2022; 15:2346-2358. [PMID: 36263600 PMCID: PMC9874755 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Given the unpredictability and challenges brought about by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aimed to investigate the impact trend of the prolonged pandemic on the mental health of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The 8112 participants included parents of children with ASD and parents of typically developing (TD) children at two sites (Heilongjiang and Fujian province, China). The parents completed a set of self-report questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, influences related to COVID-19, COVID-19 concerns and perceived behaviors, as well as the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS) by means of an online survey platform. Data were collected by three cross-sectional surveys carried out in April 2020 (Time 1), October 2020 (Time 2), and October 2021 (Time 3). The results of quantitative and qualitative comparisons showed that: (i) parents of children with ASD had lower levels of resilience, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression than parents of TD children at each time point (all P < 0.05); and (ii) there were significant time-cumulative changes in resilience, anxiety, and depression among all participants (all P < 0.05). The logistic regression analyzes after adjusting for demographic characteristics revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with poor resilience and a higher rate of anxiety and depression in parents of children with ASD: time-point, the effect of COVID-19 on children's emotions and parents' emotions, changes in relationships, changes in physical exercise, changes in daily diet during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-19-related psychological distress. In conclusions, the parents did not report improvements in resilience, anxiety, or depression symptoms from Time 1 to Time 2 or 3, indicating that cumulative mental health issues increased when, surprisingly, the COVID-19 restrictions were eased. The psychological harm resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is far-reaching, especially among parents of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Wang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina,Continuing Education Office, The Second Affiliated HospitalHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Chuang Shang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Huirong Liang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Wenlong Liu
- Department of Child Development and Behavior, Women and Children's Hospital, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Bing Han
- Continuing Education Office, The Second Affiliated HospitalHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Mingyang Zou
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health CollegeHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Alhawamdeh R, Qaraghuli S. Effects of COVID-19 on children with autism. World J Virol 2022; 11:411-425. [PMID: 36483100 PMCID: PMC9724198 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i6.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects all countries and populations worldwide, significantly impacting people with autism with a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Approximately 25% of children with autism have an asymptomatic or symptomatic immune deficiency or dysfunction. In addition, they frequently have various comorbid conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19. In addition, severe COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in the offspring. Furthermore, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 could target human nervous system tissues due to its neurotrophic effects. The COVID-19 pandemic intensely impacts many patients and families in the autism community, especially the complex management of autism-associated disorders during the complete lockdown. During the complete lockdown, children with autism had difficulties coping with the change in their routine, lack of access to special education services, limited physical space available, and problems related to food and sleep. Additionally, children with autism or intellectual disabilities are more liable to be abused by others during the pandemic when the standard community supports are no longer functioning to protect them. Early detection and vaccination of children with autism against COVID-19 are highly indicated. They should be prioritized for testing, vaccination, and proper management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss the various effects of COVID-19 on children with autism, the difficulties they face, the increased risk of infection during pregnancy, how to alleviate the impact of COVID-19, and how to correct the inequalities in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Department of Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Rawan Alhawamdeh
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Genomics Development and Play Center (Genomisc WLL), 0000, Manama, Bahrain
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Sensory Middle East (SENSORYME DWC-LLC), 282228 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samara Qaraghuli
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad 14022, Baghdad, Iraq
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22
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Autistic children and adolescents with frequent restricted interest and repetitive behavior showed more difficulty in social cognition during mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multisite survey. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:608. [PMID: 36104779 PMCID: PMC9471034 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public health measures enacted in order to control the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have caused considerable changes to daily life. For autistic children and adolescents, adapting to the "new normal," including mask-wearing, may be difficult because of their restricted interest and repetitive behavior (RRB) characteristics. We aimed to examine the relationships between RRB characteristics and the impact of mask-wearing on their social communications during the pandemic. METHODS We recruited participants with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria from two outpatient clinics in Tokyo, Japan, between November 2020 and April 2021 using a convenience sampling methodology. As a result, the participants consisted of 102 children and adolescents (mean (SD) age = 11.6 (5.3)). We collected data on RRB characteristics frequency before and during the pandemic using the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) - Adapted for Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental conditions (AFAR). We then conducted factor analyses to compute the RRB severity composite scores, which are divided into lower- (e.g., sensory seeking), and higher-order (e.g., restricted interest). We also investigated mask-wearing culture using a bespoke questionnaire, and using Spearman's rank correlation analyses, we examined the relationships between before pandemic RRB characteristics, and the impact of mask-wearing on social communications during the pandemic. RESULTS We found that children and adolescents who exhibited lower-order RRB before the pandemic had difficulties in going-out with mask-wearing (rho = -0.25, q = .031), more challenges with mask-wearing (rho = - 0.34, q = .0018), and difficulty in referring to others' emotions while wearing masks (rho = - 0.36, q = .0016). We also found an association between higher-order RRB before the pandemic and an uncomfortable sensation (rho = - 0.42, q = .0002) and difficulties in referring to other's emotions while wearing masks (rho = - 0.25, q = .031). CONCLUSIONS We revealed that various behaviors, such as sensory seeking, repetitive motor mannerisms and movements, and rituals and routines, undertaken before the pandemic could be important predictors of difficulties with mask-wearing and social communication for autistic children and adolescents during the pandemic. Caregivers and teachers wearing masks may need to provide extra support for social communication to autistic children and adolescents showing RRB characteristics frequently.
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23
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Wu J, Meng J, Li H. WeChat-platform-based education and care program as a candidate approach to relieve anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of pediatric and adolescent patients with osteosarcoma. Front Psychol 2022; 13:913940. [PMID: 36092098 PMCID: PMC9453747 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.913940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WeChat is the main social platform in China, characterized by its versatility and ease of communication. This study aimed to explore the effect of a WeChat-platform-based education and care (WBEC) program on relieving anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of pediatric and adolescent patients with osteosarcoma. Methods In total, 48 patients and 86 parents were enrolled in this randomized, controlled study and then assigned to the WBEC program (24 patients and 45 parents) and the usual education and care (UEC) program (22 patients and 41 parents) for 6 months as a 1:1 ratio. Results Parents in the WBEC group had lower Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety (HADS-A) scores at M3 (7.8 ± 2.2 vs. 9.1 ± 2.5; p = 0.010) and M6 (7.7 ± 2.5 vs. 8.9 ± 2.4; p = 0.027) when compared to the UEC group, while anxiety rate was only decreased at M3 (43.2% vs. 63.4%; p = 0.049) in the WBEC group. Meanwhile, parental HADS for depression (HADS-D) scores were reduced at M3 (7.0 ± 2.0 vs. 8.0 ± 2.1; p = 0.047) and M6 (7.1 ± 1.9 vs. 8.0 ± 2.4; p = 0.045) in the WBEC group when compared with the UEC group; while depression rate remained the same. Parental Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) scores were slightly reduced among the WBEC group at M6 when compared with the UEC group [12.0 (interquartile range (IQR): 10.0–20.8] vs. 15.0 (IQR: 9.5–25.0; p = 0.077)], but not statistically significant. Conclusion WeChat-platform-based education and care is considered a feasible intervention to reduce anxiety and depression in parents of pediatric and adolescent patients with osteosarcoma, while also providing mild relief from PTSD.
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Fridell A, Norrman HN, Girke L, Bölte S. Effects of the Early Phase of COVID-19 on the Autistic Community in Sweden: A Qualitative Multi-Informant Study Linking to ICF. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031268. [PMID: 35162290 PMCID: PMC8835079 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, early outcome studies indicate severe and pervasive global effects of the pandemic and associated measures to prevent the spread of the virus. General population studies, as well as insight into the outcomes for particular groups, will be necessary in order to mitigate potentially long-term effects as well as to prepare for future epidemics or pandemics. The pandemic conditions have been marked by rapid and abrupt changes and unpredictability which are circumstances that leave the autistic population particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes following the distinctive features of the diagnosis. Studies are only beginning to delineate the outcomes of the global autism community and the present study adds to these findings by providing a local, multi-perspective, qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of the Swedish autism community. In this study, autistic youth and adults, caregivers of autistic individuals, as well as representatives of Swedish interest organizations were interviewed. Thematic analysis was performed on the population as a whole and patterns of results were formalized according to the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF-CY). Participants report wide-ranging adverse outcomes of the pandemic relating to mental health and access to support, participation in daily activities and socialization, education, and work as well as parental resources. However, participants also report positive outcomes relating to a reduction in specific social and everyday demands, and normalization of lived experiences. Additionally, interviews outlined some strategies used to cope during pandemic conditions. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fridell
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 113 30 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.N.N.); (L.G.); (S.B.)
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm,118 61 Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Hjalmar Nobel Norrman
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 113 30 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.N.N.); (L.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Linda Girke
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 113 30 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.N.N.); (L.G.); (S.B.)
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 113 30 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.N.N.); (L.G.); (S.B.)
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm,118 61 Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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ASDesign: A User-Centered Method for the Design of Assistive Technology That Helps Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Be More Independent in Their Daily Routines. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has posed new physical and mental challenges for the population worldwide, establishing social and structural changes in the labor market that could be maintained and implemented permanently. This new reality will require new strategies to improve family and work conciliation, which is especially challenging for families with children suffering from psychological pathologies such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These changes have led to more frequent and intense behavioral problems, causing stress, anxiety, and confusion for these children and their families. Thus, the need to have tools that help parents reconcile work with the care of these children, who have low autonomy, is reinforced. This work develops a method for the design of assistive technology and smart products to support children with ASD in following a routine and managing tasks autonomously. In this way, the article analyzes the design problem including the needs and preferences of children with ASD and their parents during confinement in terms of dependence and adaptability; develops a design method for interactive and smart products focused on children with ASD in confinement situations; and validates this method in a case study, in which a robot is developed that makes it easier for children with ASD to follow a routine.
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Amirova A, CohenMiller A, Sandygulova A. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of children with autism spectrum disorder: Parents' perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:913902. [PMID: 35958650 PMCID: PMC9359431 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.913902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19-related lockdown interrupted children's learning progress and discontinued social learning and regular activities that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rely on socially and physically. Negative consequences for children with ASD were reported far and wide. To investigate this problem in Kazakhstan, we conducted a mixed-methods study that drew on data from an online survey with 97 parents and semi-structured interviews with 14 parents. While parent-report quantitative results suggest that children were likely to experience negative impacts of the pandemic due to disrupted educational and therapeutic services, qualitative findings confirm that they have experienced an elevated mental health and behavioral challenges during the lockdown. Remote educational and therapeutic services were not helpful as families coped with pandemic-caused problems on their own. We highlight that continued support and care during and after a crisis is vital not only for children with ASD but also for the families under-resourced mentally and socially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Amirova
- Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Anna CohenMiller
- Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Anara Sandygulova
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
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