Objectives
This poster aims to verify the anxiety symptoms and core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 crisis.
Methods
A total of 57 families with children with verbal ASD aged 6 to 18 years agreed to participate. ASD was confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Parents answered the CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS)–Adapted For Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions (AFAR), a questionnaire inquiring about symptoms and routines about the last 2 weeks and 3 months prior to the COVID-19 crisis. A total of 23 participants had previous (prepandemic) Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED) scale parental/self-report scores, and this instrument was reapplied during the COVID-19 crisis.
Results
A total of 49 (86%) children were male, and the median age was 10 years. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) median IQ was 95 (55-118). The baseline score of the SCARED self-report total score increased from a mean of 25.17 (±11) to 30.91 (±12) points (p < 0.04), and the social phobic disorder score increased from a mean of 6.17 (±3.6) to 7.87 (±3.6) (p < 0.01). In the CRISIS AFAR questionnaire, an association (p < 0.01) was found between SCARED and increased sensory seeking behaviors (r = 0.47) and the requirement of adults to maintain routines (r = 0.50); less outdoors time (r = –0.48) and physical exercise (r = –0.54); concerns about family and friends being infected (p < 0.05; r = 0.44). Comparing the 3 months prior to the COVID-19 crisis and the assessment during the crisis, there was a reduction in performing independently Play self appropriately (p < 0.01) and Structure/initiate daily activities (p < 0.001). There was a reduction (p < 0.001) in physical exercise (68% to 39%) and spending time outdoors (96% to 28%), as well as an increase in screen time (p < 0.001; 42%-70%). There was no increase (p > 0.05) in stereotypies, sensory-seeking behaviors, and engagement in a restricted strong interest.
Conclusions
Our Brazilian study aligned with some other studies and also provides new data of higher anxiety levels in those individuals in spite of unaltered ASD core symptoms. The COVID-19 crisis may lead to worsening of anxiety and further impairment in children and adolescents with ASD.
AD, ASD