Date created: | Last Updated:

Category: Project

Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has not affected all communities equally[1,2]. Individuals at elevated risk of COVID-19-related illness, complications or death include people with Autism Spectrum Conditions, a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours[3,4]. Over half of autistic people have multiple co-occurring physical health conditions and lifelong mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression[5] that significantly impair daily living skills and quality of life[6-9]. Only a small minority of autistic people can live autonomously without support from others (e.g., family, carers)[8]. The rapid and unpredictable changes to COVID-19 restrictions provided little opportunity to plan for or manage the impact of this major transition on functional and support needs for autistic people. The impending easement of COVID-19 lockdown offers a unique opportunity to: 1) document the impact of a major disruption on autistic people’s daily living skills, physical and mental health, and quality of life; 2) identify factors that may facilitate transitions to post-COVID-19 life and, more generally, future major life transitions. Co-production with the autistic community will inform key stages of the research and outputs. This research will use a mixed-methods approach to capture the lived experience and support needs of autistic people, across a range of ages and abilities, in the context of COVID-19. Research outputs will contribute to existing autism knowledge via a Brief Report of the facilitators and barriers to supporting the well-being and everyday lives of autistic people during the ongoing pandemic and in the transition to post-COVID life. To view a summary of the interim project findings (results) please click this link: https://osf.io/fv6qp/