Parent-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with ASD

The COVID-19 pandemic and its corresponding measures to prevent the spread of the virus have impacted us all, possible in particular youth with a pre-existing diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in children with ASD. Pre- and during COVID-19 data were collected. Data on ASD characteristics (SRS-2), and emotional and behavioral data (BPM-P) were available of respectively 39 and 31 participants. Results showed no significant difference with regard to ASD characteristics over time. However, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in emotional and behavioral problems. Parents reported an increase in internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems. Boys seem to be particularly vulnerable to develop more internalizing problems.