How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives.
Cristina Mumbardó-Adam, Silvia Barnet-López, Giulia Balboni
PMID 33486395WHAT IT FOUND
Parents reported that children with autism were generally happier and calmer during quarantine, with many showing increased autonomy and participation in family routines.
However, some children became more irritable or developed new stereotypies, while families missed external support and struggled with work-life balance.
Key findings
01More than half of parents observed new behaviors in their children during quarantine, including increased autonomy and communication, though some developed new stereotypies.
02Families reported that children were generally happier and calmer than before quarantine, although a smaller proportion became more irritable.
03Parents identified online psychological support and family cohesion as helpful, but missed social comprehension from the public and struggled with work-family conciliation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study used a convenience sample of 47 families from two institutions in one region of Spain, limiting generalizability. Data was collected via parent report only, without direct observation of the children or verification of diagnoses. The survey was administered in April, capturing only a specific snapshot of the quarantine period rather than its entire duration. Socioeconomic status and ASD severity levels were not collected, so these factors could not be controlled for in the analysis.
Declared interests
The authors report no declarations of interest. The research did not receive any grant funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that quarantine is a beneficial intervention for all children with ASD. While many parents reported happiness and autonomy gains, others reported increased irritability and new stereotypies, and the study reflects a specific cultural and temporal context that may not generalize.