When compared to the general community, autistic people have been more affected by the coronavirus pandemic in terms of psychological distress, anxiety, and chronic loneliness. Families of autistic people play a crucial part in helping their loved ones succeed and feel accepted in today’s society.
However, the pandemic has severely reduced the care and assistance often available, forcing families to spend more time than usual in confined settings with their autistic children.
Recent studies have revealed the devastating effects of the epidemic on the mental health of impaired children and their families, including a failure of service support, isolation, and family burnout.
Challenging Lockdown Limitations in Caring for the Autistic Individuals
Concerningly, the difficulties in caring for this vulnerable population have been compounded by the introduction of new lockdown limitations, such as:
- Changes to daily life and the surrounding environment
- Separation from loved ones and close pals
- Remote learning and employment
- There is less availability of social services and specialized medical treatment.
- A shortage of essential food and medicine
- No time to rest.
- Work time reductions to care for a child
- Income reduction or job loss.
- Due to illness or other physical barriers.
- Challenge-related behavior navigation
- Access to social groups for people with autism is limited.