Adaptive and Developmental Health Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Adaptive and Developmental Health Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic PDF Author: Laura L. Mason
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Autism spectrum disorders in children
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are uniquely vulnerable to any adverse effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to greater healthcare needs, dependency on resources and services, and difficulty in adapting to environmental changes. Caregivers of children with autism also experience substantial stress, even under ideal conditions, and have simultaneously been negatively impacted by the pandemic based on disruptions in routines and social infrastructures that typically bolster against mental health problems. Comprising data from two studies, this dissertation reports changes throughout the pandemic regarding the adaptive and developmental health of children with autism; access and barriers to telehealth; and the emotional wellbeing of their parents, with an additional aim to determine whether clinical or sociodemographic characteristics affect outcomes. Study 1 was a secondary analysis of 3,941 parents of children with autism between the ages of 3- and 10-years-old, shared from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) national autism project. Study 2 consisted of primary data collected from 85 parents of children with ASD within this same age range, recruited throughout the United States. Both studies obtained direct responses from caregivers to comprehensively explore challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and characterize the outcomes of children with ASD and their families. Participants were given an online battery of standardized and novel measures, administered across Baseline and Follow-Up timeframes (spanning 1–6 months in Study 1, and 3 months for Study 2). Tests of group and mean differences and regression analyses assessed relations among behavioral characteristics of the children, general experiences and concerns regarding current service delivery, and the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on parental wellbeing, while quotes and free-response comments were reviewed descriptively for common themes. Results showed children with ASD mostly demonstrated increases in adaptive and self-care behaviors between evaluation points, yet still performed below chronological age-level. Most families faced disruption in autism services due to COVID-19, but transitioning to online/remote delivery has been possible and successful in some instances. Finally, all children and parents experienced negative mental health effects during this time, though the extent of this impact varied based on risk and/or protective factors inherent to each individual family. Results also uncovered demographic disparities in COVID-19-related stressors and outcomes, particularly for parents from a lower educational background, families who are economically disadvantaged, and those residing in smaller geographic areas. Thematic analyses revealed parent concerns surrounding finances, fear of sickness, and the overarching impacts on child development, given the shift in education, therapies, and social interaction opportunities. Positive changes frequently included increased time for family togetherness, reduced academic and social worry in children, and benefits provided by technology. These findings outline the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the autism population and can guide efforts to maintain and promote health and development while in crisis and inform strategies to limit potential harm in future emergencies. The value of this dissertation is its qualitative and quantitative consideration of both child and caregiver, and emphasis on the importance of ASD services during this critical age of development, recommending both parent and provider training programs as the best method to ensure continuity of care.

Adaptive and Developmental Health Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Adaptive and Developmental Health Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic PDF Author: Laura L. Mason
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Autism spectrum disorders in children
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are uniquely vulnerable to any adverse effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to greater healthcare needs, dependency on resources and services, and difficulty in adapting to environmental changes. Caregivers of children with autism also experience substantial stress, even under ideal conditions, and have simultaneously been negatively impacted by the pandemic based on disruptions in routines and social infrastructures that typically bolster against mental health problems. Comprising data from two studies, this dissertation reports changes throughout the pandemic regarding the adaptive and developmental health of children with autism; access and barriers to telehealth; and the emotional wellbeing of their parents, with an additional aim to determine whether clinical or sociodemographic characteristics affect outcomes. Study 1 was a secondary analysis of 3,941 parents of children with autism between the ages of 3- and 10-years-old, shared from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge (SPARK) national autism project. Study 2 consisted of primary data collected from 85 parents of children with ASD within this same age range, recruited throughout the United States. Both studies obtained direct responses from caregivers to comprehensively explore challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and characterize the outcomes of children with ASD and their families. Participants were given an online battery of standardized and novel measures, administered across Baseline and Follow-Up timeframes (spanning 1–6 months in Study 1, and 3 months for Study 2). Tests of group and mean differences and regression analyses assessed relations among behavioral characteristics of the children, general experiences and concerns regarding current service delivery, and the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on parental wellbeing, while quotes and free-response comments were reviewed descriptively for common themes. Results showed children with ASD mostly demonstrated increases in adaptive and self-care behaviors between evaluation points, yet still performed below chronological age-level. Most families faced disruption in autism services due to COVID-19, but transitioning to online/remote delivery has been possible and successful in some instances. Finally, all children and parents experienced negative mental health effects during this time, though the extent of this impact varied based on risk and/or protective factors inherent to each individual family. Results also uncovered demographic disparities in COVID-19-related stressors and outcomes, particularly for parents from a lower educational background, families who are economically disadvantaged, and those residing in smaller geographic areas. Thematic analyses revealed parent concerns surrounding finances, fear of sickness, and the overarching impacts on child development, given the shift in education, therapies, and social interaction opportunities. Positive changes frequently included increased time for family togetherness, reduced academic and social worry in children, and benefits provided by technology. These findings outline the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the autism population and can guide efforts to maintain and promote health and development while in crisis and inform strategies to limit potential harm in future emergencies. The value of this dissertation is its qualitative and quantitative consideration of both child and caregiver, and emphasis on the importance of ASD services during this critical age of development, recommending both parent and provider training programs as the best method to ensure continuity of care.

Autism and COVID-19

Autism and COVID-19 PDF Author: Matthew Bennett
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
ISBN: 1804550337
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 193

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Book Description
Autism and COVID-19 both reviews the existing literature and presents new findings from a survey distributed to autistics and parents of autistics during the pandemic, all of which offer a unique and timely contribution to researchers, academics, practitioners, and those working with autistics and their families.

COVID and Autism 2023: Lessons Learnt and Future Directions for Research

COVID and Autism 2023: Lessons Learnt and Future Directions for Research PDF Author: Michaela DuBay
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2832554105
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 107

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Book Description
It has been three years since many countries around the world were sent into a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. As the disease infected the lungs of many people across the world, there were other adverse effects that came with not only the disease itself but the aftermath of the lockdowns. Those living with pre-existing conditions saw the COVID-19 pandemic affect them in different ways to those who were otherwise healthy. This Research Topic aims to highlight evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and continues to affect autistic individuals and to provide insights into research and interventions on how this can be tackled going forwards, in the hope that the research presented will translate to best practice applications in clinical and public health settings.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development PDF Author: Silton, Nava R.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1668434865
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 262

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Book Description
The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals, families, communities, states, and countries in ways that were never expected. A closer study of how the pandemic affected different areas of individuals’ development and mental and physical health, while also offering best practices and therapies for contending with extreme changes in life, is necessary to successfully move forward. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development delves into how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted schooling, relationships, and mental, physical, and developmental health as well as how it adversely impacted those with disabilities. This publication is beneficial to those in academic settings within a variety of disciplines including psychology, sociology, epidemiology, public health, among others, as well as for laypeople and educational institutions who are trying to work through the impact of the pandemic and to better comprehend the changes, aftermath, and best practices for progressing. Covering a range of topics such as creative art therapy and child abuse, this essential reference is ideal for researchers, academicians, practitioners, administrators, instructors, counselors, and students.

Examining Family Processes in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During the Transitions to Adolescence and Adulthood

Examining Family Processes in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During the Transitions to Adolescence and Adulthood PDF Author: James Barnard McCauley
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780438930261
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 76

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Book Description
Developmental science has established the influence of the parent-child relationship on the development of social behavior, autonomy, and mental health across the lifespan. However, there have been few attempts to investigate the characteristics and the developmental outcomes associated with the parent-child relationship in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To address this clinically significant gap in the literature, the current dissertation used an observational coding method, commonly used in family research in typically developing populations, to characterize the parent-child relationship in families of children with ASD in preadolescence and in young adulthood. Study one compared the parent-child interaction characteristics between families of children with ASD and families of typically developing children aged 8 to 12 years old. It also examined the associations between the interaction characteristics and child mental health and autism symptoms. The levels of parent and child positivity and parent control were coded from interactions during a structured discussion task, and parents reported on temperament and mental health symptoms in their children. Study two examined the characteristics of the parent-young adult relationship in families of individuals with ASD. It also examined the degree to which relationship characteristics were associated with improvements in adaptive behavior and mental health symptoms resulting from an intervention targeting coping skills relevant to independent living. Eleven young adults with ASD and their parent participated in a structured discussion about the young adult's autonomy and living situation and were given standardized questionnaires before and after the intervention. The discussions were coded for levels of positivity and control in parents and children. The findings of this dissertation advance our understanding of the features of parent-child interactions that help support individuals with autism during the critical transitions to adolescence and adulthood.

The Neuroscience of Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Neuroscience of Autism Spectrum Disorders PDF Author: Joseph D. Buxbaum
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012391924X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 494

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Book Description
Autism is no longer considered a rare disease, and the Center for Disease Control now estimates that upwards of 730,000 children in the US struggle with this isolating brain disorder. New research is leading to greater understanding of and ability to treat the disorder at an earlier age. It is hoped that further genetic and imaging studies will lead to biologically based diagnostic techniques that could help speed detection and allow early, more effective intervention. Edited by two leaders in the field, this volume offers a current survey and synthesis of the most important findings of the neuroscience behind autism of the past 20 years. With chapters authored by experts in each topic, the volume explores etiology, neuropathology, imaging, and pathways/models. Offering a broad background of ASDs with a unique focus on neurobiology, the volume offers more than the others on the market with a strictly clinical focus or a single authored perspective that fails to offer expert, comprehensive coverage. Researchers and graduate students alike with an interest in developmental disorders and autism will benefit, as will autism specialists across psychology and medicine looking to expand their expertise. Uniquely explores ASDs from a neurobiological angle, looking to uncover the molecular/cellular basis rather than to merely catalog the commonly used behavioral interventions Comprehensive coverage synthesizes widely dispersed research, serving as one-stop shopping for neurodevelopmental disorder researchers and autism specialists Edited work with chapters authored by leaders in the field around the globe - the broadest, most expert coverage available

Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders PDF Author: Fred R. Volkmar
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9781441916976
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 3429

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Book Description
This major reference work breaks new ground as an electronic resource for students, educators, researchers, and professionals. Comprehensive in breath and textbook in depth, the Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders serves as a reference repository of knowledge in the field as well as a regularly updated conduit of new knowledge long before such information trickles down from research to standard textbooks. The Encyclopedia consists of 5 volumes and approximately 1,500 entries divided by the major conceptual areas of ASD and PDDs, including: - Research trends and findings - Behavior/speech - Communication - Treatments - Education Taking advantage of the techniques offered by the electronic medium, the Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders offers an extensive cross-referencing system facilitating search and retrieval of information.

Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism

Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism PDF Author: Brian Reichow
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441969756
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 415

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Book Description
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been increasingly diagnosed in recent years and carries with it far reaching social and financial implications. With this in mind, educators, physicians, and parents are searching for the best practices and most effective treatments. But because the symptoms of ASDs span multiple domains (e.g., communication and language, social, behavioral), successfully meeting the needs of a child with autism can be quite challenging. Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism offers an insightful and balanced perspective on topics ranging from the historical underpinnings of autism treatment to the use of psychopharmacology and the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). An evaluation methodology is also offered to reduce the risks and inconsistencies associated with the varying definitions of key autism terminology. This commitment to clearly addressing the complex issues associated with ASDs continues throughout the volume and provides opportunities for further research. Additional issues addressed include: Behavioral excesses and deficits treatment Communication treatment Social awareness and social skills treatment Dietary, complementary, and alternative treatments Implementation of EBPs in school settings Interventions for sensory dysfunction With its holistic and accessible approach, Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism is a vital resource for school psychologists and special education professionals as well as allied mental health professionals, including clinical child and developmental psychologists, psychiatrist, pediatricians, primary care and community providers.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Early Childhood Education and Care

The Impact of COVID-19 on Early Childhood Education and Care PDF Author: Jyotsna Pattnaik
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030969770
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 505

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Book Description
This collection brings together a diverse group of scholars from throughout the world who have grappled with and investigated the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the lives of young children. Profound changes have occurred in all facets of early childhood education and care (ECEC). Young children and their families, college students enrolled in teacher preparation programs, inservice teachers/caregivers, and postsecondary faculty have endured prolonged periods of quarantine, disruption, stress, and grief precipitated by the pandemic. These consequences have been even more challenging for individuals and groups who were already struggling or marginalized prior to the advent of the coronavirus. Collectively, the chapter authors draw upon findings from their research and insights gleaned from professional experiences to recommend ways of providing high-quality programs despite persistent global health threats.​

Stress and Coping in Autism

Stress and Coping in Autism PDF Author: M. Grace Baron
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 9780195182262
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 484

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Book Description
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