ABSTRACT
La pandemia de covid-19 y las medidas asociadas determinaron cambios profundos en los individuos con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y sus familias. Se busca explorar estos efectos a nivel de las emociones y comportamientos en esta población en Uruguay. Dentro de un estudio multicéntrico de ocho países de Latinoamérica, se utilizó la submuestra de Uruguay para analizar los cambios de los comportamientos exhibidos por los individuos con TEA sobre la base de género y edad. Entre los 269 cuidadores que completaron una encuesta anónima, el 43,9 % reportó mayores problemas de convivencia y el 75,4 % reportó retrocesos. El empeoramiento de los comportamientos externalizados fue mayor en el sexo masculino y de los internalizados, en los adolescentes de 13 a 18 años. Estos resultados deberían considerarse a la hora de tomar medidas que comprometen la continuidad educativa, apoyos terapéuticos y de asistencia a las familias con personas con TEA en Uruguay.
COVID-19 pandemic and its associated measures, determined pro-found changes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Authors explore consequences regarding emotions and behaviors in this population in Uruguay. Within a multicentric study of eight Latin American countries, changes in behaviors in individuals with ASD based on gender and age were analyzed in the Uruguayan sub-sample. Among the 269 caregivers who completed an anonymous survey, 43.9% reported greater problems in daily life and 75.4% reported setbacks. The worsening of externalizing behaviors was greater in males. The internalizing ones were higher in adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. These results should be considered when taking measures that compromise educational continuity, therapeutic supports and assistance to families with people with ASD in Uruguay.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Aggression/psychology , Pandemics , Problem Behavior/psychology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Socioeconomic Factors , Uruguay/epidemiology , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health SurveysABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication difficulties and restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. In Argentina in 2013, legislation introduced both at national and provincial levels generated vigorous debate in relation to early detection of autism spectrum disorders, diagnosis or "pathologization" of children, and early intervention for these children. This paper provides evidence supporting the importance of systematic screening for autism spectrum disorders in toddlers, the usefulness of the new autism spectrum disorder classification provided by DSM-5, the desirability of timely and comprehensive diagnostic assessments by interdisciplinary teams specialized in development, and the critical importance of early intervention. Early intervention takes advantage of the neuroplasticity present in early life and positively impacts prognosis of children and family quality of life. Finally, the role of parent-mediated interventions in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorders is mentioned.