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Between July 2020 – January 2021, 230 principal caregivers completed a questionnaire to measure proxy-assessed health-related quality of life outcomes (HRQoL), behavioral outcomes in children with syndromic autism spectrum disorders and COVID-19 induced changes to lifestyle and environments. HRQoL and behavioral outcomes reported earlier during the pandemic were generally worse compared to those reported later. COVID-19 induced reduction to a caregiver’s mental health appointments, and hours spent watching TV were associated with decreases in HRQoL and increased the likelihood of problematic behaviors. Increasing time outdoors and time away from digital devices were positively associated with HRQoL and behaviors and might protect children from COVID-19 induced restrictions.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Publisher

Springer Verlag

Publication Date

13/05/2022

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorders, COVID-19, Health-related Quality of Life, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, Rett Syndrome, SYNGAP1-ID, Rare Disease