Life under lockdown for children with autism spectrum disorder: Insights from families in South Africa.
Child Care Health Dev
; 48(6): 1008-1016, 2022 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1731111
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain vulnerable during the Covid-19 outbreak due to significant changes to their daily routines, social interactions and diets. In addition, these challenges may be exacerbated for children living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as South Africa where there are already barriers such as poverty, access to resources and availability of support. Understanding the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on children with ASD is imperative in order to create awareness as well as provide equitable services and support to both children with ASD and their families.PURPOSE:
The study aimed to explore family-reported changes for children with ASD and their reactions and responses to the Covid-19 restrictions in South Africa.METHOD:
A qualitative research design was employed. Twelve families consisting of different family compositions with a total of 21 family members (mothers, fathers and grandmothers) participated in the current study using semistructured interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed using a framework method for thematic analysis.RESULTS:
Findings indicated that children with ASD present with unique challenges related to Covid-19. Negative themes such as children's obstructive reactions due to the immediate changes to their routines, increases in emotional dysregulation as well as loss of previously acquired skills as a result of lack of access to services during lockdown were reported. However, families also reported on positive changes such as improved social interactions as children became more accustomed to their new lockdown routines. IMPLICATIONS The Covid-19 response has had a negative impact on children with disabilities, specifically around access to services and support for both children with ASD and their families. While the future of the virus and impending lockdown measures is unknown, clinicians, providers and educators need to ensure that provisions are made for children's current adjustments as well as further adjustments to their current routines both during and after the pandemic.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Child Care Health Dev
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Cch.12996
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