Community Participation Challenges for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders During COVID-19 A Photovoice Study

In this study conducted during COVID-19 regulations, autistic individuals identified COVID-19 and transportation as the primary barriers to community participation. COVID-19 was identified as both a barrier and a facilitator. Autistic individuals identified that COVID-19 enabled more on-line participation. Autistic individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions can experience a greater increase in symptoms when daily routines and participation are affected. Disruption and changes in participation for the autistic community during the COVID-19 pandemic can have future implications on this population's ability to reintroduce themselves into community participation. Identified facilitators; technology, shared experiences, and leisure are useful tools to combat the participation barriers.PMID:37882892 | DOI:10.1007/s10597-023-01199-7
Source: Community Mental Health Journal - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research