Psychological effects on families of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is part of the neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by difficulties in communication and social interaction.
Objective: To describe the psychological effects on families of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The methodology employed consisted of a systematic review during 2019 - 2022 through a search in the databases Scopus, Google Scholar, Scielo, Proquest, and EBSCO Host, under the PRISMA 2020 methodology; more than 952 articles were found and under the inclusion and exclusion criteria 13 were selected to be part of the analysis.
Results: Symptoms of emotional distress, sadness, fear, and high level of stress associated with personal factors and children's behavior were found. The impact of isolation negatively affected families with a child with ASD. Children and adolescents showed insecurity, fear, anguish, anger, with signs of anxiety and depression increasing restricted and repetitive behaviors with high frequency of physical and mental health difficulties in people with ASD. Parents showed high levels of resilience. The ASD group that presented wellbeing during confinement were those with above average intelligence. Health support was scarce.
Conclusions: The different lines of research in this field should be increased and directed towards diagnosis and treatment to improve quality of life. The importance of creating better support systems for people with these disorders was evidenced.