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Category: Analysis

Description: “Learning from COVID-19: Identifying Facilitators and Barriers of Major Transitions In AuTism” The TRANSIT project was co-produced by autistic individuals and advocates, and researchers at City, University of London and the University of Stirling, in partnership with the National Autistic Society. In Spring 2021, 42 autistic adults and parents of autistic adults were asked about the changes to their daily activities and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many participants reported positive changes: reduced social demands, sensory triggers and need for masking were a relief. People felt more in control of their lives, and benefitted from flexible ways to participate in activities. However, the climate of uncertainty and the sudden withdrawal of all support networks were sources of high anxiety and, sometimes, burnout. Participants highlighted that the transition out of the pandemic would present new challenges. They hoped that some of the adaptations made during this time could continue beyond the pandemic, and that this shared experience would lead to better communication and services for the autistic community. For more information about the project, and to access the summary of our results, please visit our open access wiki: https://osf.io/fv6qp/