Everyday challenges and caring possibilities for children and adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the face of COVID-19

Abstract

Background: In the current scenario of COVID-19 and emergency demands, it is essential to understand about the pandemic and its possible impacts, especially with regard to the most vulnerable social groups, such as children and adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Purpose: This article aims to reflect on theoretical and practical aspects of the challenges and possible implications of the current pandemic in everyday lives of children and adolescents with ASD, presenting possibilities of care based on Psychosocial Care for this population and their families. Method: This is a reflective essay, elaborated from the actions developed in a university extension project entitled “Caring strategies in Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic”, at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar). Results and Discussion: Two dimensions are presented and discussed: 1) caring strategies in the face of the implications of the pandemic in everyday lives of children and adolescents with ASD; 2) The family as a target for Psychosocial Care in a pandemic context. Conclusion: The reflections made it possible to understand the particularities experienced by children and adolescents with ASD and their families in the pandemic scenario, also seeking to address strategies and caring actions with this population. However, there is a need for investment in practices and studies that are based on the particularities of this population during the pandemic, in order to contribute to better coping with the situation.