Ten weeks in: COVID-19-related distress in adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism
; 25(7): 2140-2145, 2021 10.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1181065
ABSTRACT
LAY ABSTRACT This study used data collected from 275 adults in the United States with autism spectrum disorder both before the pandemic and then 10 weeks into the pandemic to assess COVID-19-related distress and its impact. Two-thirds of those surveyed reported some type of distress related to the pandemic (i.e. difficulty coping or negative impact on emotional and mental health). While there were no changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms from prior to COVID-19 to 10 week later in the group as a whole, self-reported distress predicted increases in both anxiety and depression across the two timepoints. Furthermore, adults with higher levels of anxiety prior to the pandemic were more likely to report distress, and women were more likely to report a negative impact of the pandemic on their emotional and mental health. Findings highlight the importance of monitoring with adults with autism spectrum disorder to assess their need for mental health support, and providing ongoing support to those who already experience anxiety even before the pandemic.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Autism
Journal subject:
Psychology
/
Psychiatry
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
13623613211005919
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