Letter to Editor: COVID-19 and Mental Health of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families; What Can Be Done?

2021

IRJ

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Objectives: One of the most essential needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is using rehabilitation services. However, these services are associated with numerous challenges. The present study aimed to identify the perceptions of the parents of children with ASD and rehabilitation service providers about the challenges of using rehabilitation services in Iran. Methods: This was a qualitative study. In total, 27 participants were selected from the parents of children with ASD and rehabilitation service providers to these children, based on purposive sampling method; we considered maximum variation and sampling continued until data saturation. The necessary data were collected by semi-structured and in-depth interviews. The interviews lasted from July to December 2020 and MAXQDA was used for data analysis. Results: The challenges of children with ASD in accessing and using rehabilitation services were identified and categorized into 6 main classes, as follows: the lack of a systematic support system; the lack of commitment to observing professional ethics; neglecting the structure and policy of rehabilitation; the lack of comprehensive ASD diagnostic and rehabilitation protocols; inadequate knowledge and attitude, and the lack of feasible access to services. Discussion: Policymakers, service providers, and managers must be aware of the challenges of rehabilitation services for ASD; subsequently, they are expected to pay special attention to this issue. This study provided evidence for the above-mentioned groups for accessing and using rehabilitation services among ASD. Besides, the obtained data could help to improve the services they receive and their living conditions; ultimately, they help improve their quality of life.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions of the Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Healthcare Providers on the Challenges of Using Rehabilitation Services in Iran

2021

IRJ

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“…Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most complex and unknown childhood disorders, which is also one of the most common developmental disorders (1)(2)(3). Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and limited interests and repetitive behaviors (4,5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improve Autism Rehabilitation Services by Providing Solutions Based on the Perception and Experience of Parents and Providers: A Qualitative Study

Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud

2022

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Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need a variety of services. One of the most essential needs of these children with ASD is the use of rehabilitation services. However, these services pose many challenges for these individuals. Providing strategies to solve these barriers is essential. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify strategies to overcome barriers to using rehabilitation services and improve them based on the perceptions and experiences of rehabilitation service providers and parents of children with ASD. Methods: This study was conducted with a conventional qualitative approach. Twenty-seven participants were selected from rehabilitation service providers and parents of children with ASD based on purposive sampling with maximum diversity. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews lasted from July to December 2020 for 20 to 60 minutes and continued until the data was saturated. Data were analyzed with MAXQDA 10 software. Results: After the interviews, 1057 initial codes were extracted by deleting similar codes. Strategies for using rehabilitation services for these children with ASD were classified into 5 main categories and 20 subcategories, which are: Improving the level of knowledge and attitude, creating and strengthening a systematic support system, systematic rehabilitation policies, developing a comprehensive autism rehabilitation management program and facilitating access. Conclusions: In previous studies, many challenges have been identified for all services for children with ASD. The findings of this study showed that considering facilitators to solve the existing challenges in order to use of rehabilitation services for these children with ASD and their families. Therefore, policy makers, service providers and managers need to be aware of the strategies collected and pay special attention to these issues. To achieve a more favorable situation, they should adopt and implement the necessary mechanism in the field of policy and planning, so that finally lead to fundamental steps to improve the rehabilitation services needed by children with ASD.

“…Most people infected with COVID-19 develop mild to moderate respiratory problems. The virus mainly spread through saliva droplets or nasal discharge when an infected person sneezes or coughs ( 11 , 12 ). COVID-19 is the most crucial issue we face now, and it has had a significant impact on our lifestyle ( 13 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psycho-social consequences associated with COVID-19 in people with ASD and their families: A literature review

Med. J. Islam. Republ. Iran

2021

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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stress and anxiety for many people all around the world. This situation can create many psychosocial challenges, especially for people with special needs such as ASD and their families. Few studies have already addressed these challenges. However, the psychosocial consequences of COVID-19 for these individuals have not been accurately identified and collected.