Views and experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have a variety of effects on people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to look into the perspectives and experiences of people with ASD and their mothers regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: The current study employs a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The study included the participation of 16 individuals. Eight of them had ASD, while the remainder were their mothers.

Results: The information was divided into two categories: people with ASD and their mothers. The data collected from individuals with ASD were organized into four major themes: (a) the meaning of COVID-19 for them; (b) pandemic activities; (c) measures taken during the pandemic; and (d) pandemic reflection on the school. The data drawn from the mothers of the individuals with ASD were categorized into two themes: (a) the impact of the pandemic and (b) changes in children with ASD during the pandemic.

Conclusions: The study results show that individuals with ASD could not perform as many activities during the pandemic as they would usually do. Hence, the results suggested that the participants were adversely affected by the pandemic.

Keywords:

• autism
• parents
• COVID-19
• pandemic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.