Symposia
Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders
Ana C. Ramirez, M.A.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
McAllen, Texas
Georgina Perez-Liz, MD
Research Associate
A.J Drexel Autism Institute
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Natalia Barrios, MD
Child Psychiatrist
PANAACEA
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all affected countries have been forced to implement safeguards to protect their population, such as social distancing, mandatory quarantine, and contact restrictions. These safeguards impose drastic changes in people’s everyday life that may have an effect on their behavioral and mental health. Autistic individuals are especially vulnerable to these changes, and little is known about the effects of the pandemic on their functioning. Particularly, lockdowns due to COVID-19 have imposed new challenges for autistic individuals, including service-suspension and limited supports.
Method: The data was obtained from an online survey developed by the Latin American Autism Spectrum Network (REAL). REAL originated with the purpose of studying the needs of autistic individuals living in Latin American countries. This study was part of a multicenter project carried out with countries that are represented in the REAL network. 126 Mexican caregivers completed an online survey created for this study to explore the impact of the pandemic and its consequent lockdowns or social isolation on autistic individuals. The data presented was collected between June and August 2020 through an online and anonymous survey. Data analysis included calculations of central tendency and frequencies. All variables were categorized and considered nominal variables. Comparisons between groups were made using chi-square tests and modified according to their statistical needs. Calculations of significant difference in frequency changes were implemented through a series of McNemar analyses.
Results: Findings indicated that suspension of at least one service was reported for 38.9% of the participants, without significant associations between symptom worsening and delivery format of services.
Conclusion: Suspension of services for people with ASD in Mexico is one of the side effects of the pandemic, negatively impacting their behavior. Results suggest that some services could be remotely maintained, while also offering services to autistic individuals in underserved areas.