Quality of life of the caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

Keywords:

Autism, Caregivers, COVID-19

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by persistent deficits in reciprocal social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. The first signs of ASD must be present early in development and cause impairment to the child's functionality. Parents and family members are usually the first to notice the signs and symptoms of ASD in their child. The earlier signs and symptoms are identified, the better the responses to treatment. It is a consensus in the literature that caregivers of children with ASD have higher levels of stress, with a direct impact on quality of life. Some studies have investigated the psychological impact of social distancing measures on autistic children and adolescents. However, a specific look at the quality of life of caregivers of people with ASD is also necessary. In order to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown on the quality of life of caregivers of children with ASD, an integrative literature review was carried out in the PubMed and BVS/LILACS databases. The results showed that during social isolation, parents of children with ASD reported a higher level of psychological distress. The burden and increase in stressors during the pandemic have affected the behavior and psychological well-being of both children and their parents and family members, with a significant impact on quality of life.

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Author Biographies

Bianca Cristina Belchior, Centro Universitário da Fundação Educacional Guaxupé

Graduada em Psicologia pelo Centro Universitário da Fundação Educacional Guaxupé (UNIFEG). Psicóloga clínica interessada em avaliação psicológica.

Grasiela Maria Valverde Imbrizi, Centro Universitário da Fundação Educacional Guaxupé

Graduada em Psicologia pelo Centro Universitário da Fundação Educacional Guaxupé (UNIFEG). Psicóloga Clínica.

Valeria Alves Ferreira, Prefeitura Municipal de Guaxupé

Graduada em Psicologia pelas Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU). Especialista em Psicologia Clínica e em Psicologia Hospitalar pelo Conselho Regional de Psicologia da 04º região (CRB-7). Especialista em Gestão de Pessoas pelo Centro Universitário de Minas Gerais (UNIVAR). Diretora Atenção Básica e de Divisão Odontológica no Departamento Municipal de Saúde de Guaxupé.

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Published

2022-12-27

How to Cite

Belchior, B. C., Imbrizi, G. M. V., & Ferreira, V. A. (2022). Quality of life of the caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mundo Livre: Revista Multidisciplinar, 8(2), 125-142. Retrieved from https://periodicos.uff.br/mundolivre/article/view/55348

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Dossiê temático