“This may be a really good opportunity to make the world a more autism friendly place”: Professionals’ perspectives on the effects of COVID-19 on autistic individuals

• Published in: Research in autism spectrum disorders Vol. 83; p. 101747
• Main Authors: Spain, Debbie, Mason, David, J Capp, Simone, Stoppelbein, Laura, W White, Susan, Happé, Francesca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2021; The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd
• Subjects: Autism; COVID-19; Health and social care; Health professionals; Telehealth; COVID-19; Autism; Health and social care; Telehealth; Health professionals
• ISSN: 1750-9467; 1878-0237; 1750-9467
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101747

•COVID-19 affects us all.•The climate of uncertainty may be especially difficult for autistic individuals.•Service provision for autistic individuals has been hugely, adversely disrupted.•Autistic individuals may benefit from psychosocial support now and post-pandemic. The COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic affects everyone. Autistic individuals may be at increased risk of experiencing difficulties coping with the impact of C-19 (e.g. due to unexpected changes to usual activities and routines, and the general sense of uncertainty). This preliminary study gathered the perspectives of health and social care professionals, and researchers, about: (1) vulnerability factors for coping with the pandemic; (2) the impact of the pandemic; (3) service provision during the pandemic; and (4) interventions to support reintegration during and post the pandemic. We conducted an online survey, comprising Likert-scale and free text responses. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative data thematically. Thirty-seven participants, working in clinical, education and academic settings with autistic individuals, completed the survey. C-19 had substantially impacted service provision, causing major disruption or loss of services. Thematic analysis indicated six overarching themes: (1) vulnerability factors for coping with C-19 and lockdown; (2) positive and negative impact of lockdown (for autistic individuals, families and professionals); (3) public health response to C-19; (4) service provision during the pandemic; (5) inequalities; and (6) looking to the future. Professionals, across disciplines and settings, must now work together with autistic individuals and their families, to understand the impact of these extraordinary circumstances and develop ways everyone can be supported more effectively.