COVID-19 Impact on Children with ASD and ADHD in Greece

Source: Brain sciences

Summary

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Northern Greece. Researchers gathered information from 72 children, aged 2 to 17, and their parents or guardians. The children mostly attended primary school, and many had additional challenges like learning difficulties, anxiety, and some had epilepsy. The study aimed to understand the long-term effects of the pandemic on these children and their families.

The results showed that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on both the children and their families. Many children experienced new behavioral issues, such as irritability and anxiety, and almost half of the families reported a major reduction in therapy services. Screen time increased for over 90% of the children, and many parents felt that their child's well-being was harmed during this time. Additionally, about 29% of caregivers reported feeling stressed due to the situation.

These findings are important because they highlight the challenges faced by children with ASD and ADHD during the pandemic and the ongoing effects on their families. The study suggests a need for better support systems, including more telehealth options and community resources, to help these children recover and thrive. However, since this was a pilot study with a small group of participants, more research is needed to fully understand the broader impact and to develop effective solutions.

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