The impact of covid-19 lockdown on parents and young people with autism spectrum disorder (asd)

The spread of COVID-19 resulted in restrictive lockdowns. For families supporting young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the service system was stripped away. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of this challenging situation on a group of Australian carers and parents of children and young people with ASD, with an intention to inform policy and practice based on the lived experiences of these families. A survey of parents of children and young people with ASD in Australia returned 117 responses, of which 86 responded to open-ended questions about COVID-19 lockdowns. Twelve parents responded to the invitation to be interviewed. Interview and survey data were analysed thematically. Five themes emerged: accessing support services, receiving support services online, changes in behaviour, higher levels of conflict, and impact on health and relationships. The experience of lockdowns under COVID-19 undermined informal and formal support systems, and had a particularly strong negative impact on the experiences of children with ASD and their families. These findings also provide support for understanding the social model of disability as a mainstay in the lives of children with disabilities and their carers. IMPLICATIONS The social model of disability was dismantled for children and young people and their carers during the COVID crisis. This unacceptable attack on the human rights of disabled people (people with a disability) needs future planning to ensure that it does not occur again. Future crises require more nuanced policy and practice responses that do not close off all child and family supports to children with ASD and their carers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Public Health Directives in a Pandemic: Paradoxical Messages for Domestic Abuse Victims in Four Countries.

When the COVID-19 pandemic manifested urgent concerns were raised around the globe about the increased risk that public health restrictions could pose for victims of domestic abuse. Governments, NGOs and community services swiftly responded to convey the message that services for victims were operational and restrictions did not apply to those fleeing harm. This paper reports on the various approaches used to communicate this public health messaging during COVID-19, further highlighting strengths and learning which could inform future crises messaging. It utilises data gathered through a rapid review and mapping of policy and practice initiatives across 4 high-middle income countries: UK, Australia, South Africa and Ireland. Four themes were identified: (1) Top-down: National media messaging; (2) Top-down: Political leadership; (3) Traditional media vs. social media and (4) Bottom-up messaging: Localised, community-based messaging. It was found that a strong, clear top-down stance on domestic abuse was perceived as beneficial during COVID-19. However, a stronger focus on evaluation, reach and impact, particularly for minority groups may be required. Newer forms of media were shown to have potential in conveying messaging to minority groups. Community and grassroots organizations demonstrated their experiential knowledge in reaching target audiences. Harnessing this expertise for future crises messaging may be valuable.

Being physically active with epilepsy: Insights from young people and their parents.

INTRODUCTION: Researchers have called for innovative tailored interventions to address specific challenges to physical activity (PA) engagement for young people with epilepsy (YPE). Working with YPE and their parents, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to adoption and maintenance of PA among YPE prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Ten YPE (all female) and their 13 caregivers, and five additional caregivers to males (N = 18; 72% mothers), completed virtual focus group sessions prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trained Child Life specialists asked questions about barriers and facilitators of PA engagement experienced by YWE, which included a specific focus on the impact of epilepsy. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the data identified both epilepsy-specific and generic themes that impact PA participation among YPE. These included: (i) epilepsy experience/impact and accommodation; (ii) safety precautions; (iii) concern about seizures; (iv) social connections and acceptance; (v) parent and family support; (vi) intrapersonal self-regulation and motivation; (vii) health benefits; and (viii) key factors in common with all youth. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insight into diverse social-ecological health factors that impact PA participation among YPE from two key stakeholder perspectives (YPE and their caregivers). By understanding these lived experiences, providers can better tailor individual support for YPE and their families to foster and maintain a healthy active lifestyle.