Get 20M+ Full-Text Papers For Less Than $1.50/day. Start a 14-Day Trial for You or Your Team.

Learn More →

The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development

The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for... COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement.FindingsAutistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision.Practical implicationsOur data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults.Social implications To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health.Originality/valueThat the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Advances in Autism Emerald Publishing

The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development

Riese, Bettina; Mukherjee, Raja A.S.
Advances in Autism , Volume 8 (4): 11 – Oct 13, 2022
Download PDF
11 pages

Loading next page...
 
/lp/emerald-publishing/the-experiences-of-autistic-adults-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-the-4yCgp6xOZ4
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2056-3868
DOI
10.1108/aia-06-2021-0026
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement.FindingsAutistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision.Practical implicationsOur data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults.Social implications To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health.Originality/valueThat the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.

Journal

Advances in Autism – Emerald Publishing

Published: Oct 13, 2022

Keywords: Autism; Survey; Experience; ASD; COVID-19; Autistic adults

References

  • COVID-19 pandemic and impact on patients with autism spectrum disorder
    Baweja, R.; Brown, S.L.; Edwards, E.M.; Murray, M.J.
  • On solidarity and volunteering during the COVID-19 crisis in Denmark: the impact of social networks and social media groups on the distribution of support
    Carlsen, H.B.; Toubøl, J.; Brincker, B.
  • Psychosocial and behavioral impact of COVID-19 in autism spectrum disorder: an online parent survey
    Colizzi, M.; Sironi, E.; Antonini, F.; Ciceri, M.L.; Bovo, C.; Zoccante, L.
  • Executive functioning in men and women with an autism spectrum disorder
    Kiep, M.; Spek, A.A.
  • Psychiatric co-occurring symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with autism spectrum disorder
    Lever, A.G.; Geurts, H.M.
  • Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis, management, and health services development
    Murphy, C.M.; Wilson, C.E.; Robertson, D.M.; Ecker, C.; Daly, E.M.; Hammond, N.; Galanopoulos, A.; Dud, I.; Murphy, D.G.; McAlonan, G.M.
  • The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries
    Oomen, D.; Nijhof, A.D.; Wiersema, J.R.
  • Mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal probability sample survey of the UK population
    Pierce, M.; Hope, H.; Ford, T.; Hatch, S.; Hotopf, M.; John, A.; Kontopantelis, E.; Webb, R.; Wessely, S.; McManus, S.; Abel, K.M.
  • Supporting patients with autism during COVID-19
    Yahya, A.S.; Khawaja, S.