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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers in the Stateof Qatar: A cross-sectional study.
Khan, Yasser Saeed; Khan, Abdul Waheed; Tahir, Mohamed El; Hammoudeh, Samer; Shamlawi, Mahmoud Al; Alabdulla, Majid.
  • Khan YS; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: ykhan5@hamad.qa.
  • Khan AW; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: akhan16@hamad.qa.
  • Tahir ME; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: meltahir2@hamad.qa.
  • Hammoudeh S; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: shammoudeh@hamad.qa.
  • Shamlawi MA; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: malshamlawi@hamad.qa.
  • Alabdulla M; Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Electronic address: malabdulla3@hamad.qa.
Res Dev Disabil ; 119: 104090, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1492572
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Previous research has established an association between changes to the daily routine of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and increase in maladaptive behaviours. The relationship between maladaptive behaviours in autistic individuals and increase in care burden among their caregivers is also well established. However, no study has yet examined these associations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on autistic individuals and their caregivers.

METHODS:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted with the caregivers of 58 autistic individuals across the mental health services at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The extent of care burden was measured using the Care Burden Interview, whereas changes in behaviour in autistic individuals was assessed using the Revised Overt Aggression Scale.

RESULTS:

A total of 58 caregivers participated in the study. Out of these, 24 (41 %) reported a clinically significant increase in their care burden. Among caregivers reporting an increase in care burden, two-third were caring for individuals whose behaviour either remained unchanged or improved during social restrictions. Nine autistic people (15.5 %) were reported to have no aggression prior to the implementation of COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 13 (22.4%) individuals during COVID-19 social restrictions. Minimal, mild and moderate aggression were reported in 27 (46.6 %), 21 (36.2 %), and 1 (1.7 %) patients respectively, before COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 29 (50 %), 15 (25.9), and 1 (1.7 %) during COVID-19 restrictions. Severe aggression was not reported in any patient either before or during COVID-19 social restrictions.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed reduced levels of aggression in autistic individuals but an increase in care burden among their caregivers during the COVID-19 social restrictions highlighting the need of supporting patients and caregivers alike.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Autism Spectrum Disorder / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Res Dev Disabil Journal subject: Mental Disorders Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Autism Spectrum Disorder / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Res Dev Disabil Journal subject: Mental Disorders Year: 2021 Document Type: Article