Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para pessoas com autismo e aos seus familiares: revisão de escopo

Resumo

Objetivo:

mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre as repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para as pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista e seus familiares.

Método:

revisão de escopo realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, CINAHL, SciELO, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, nos meses de agosto/setembro de 2021. O protocolo desta revisão foi registrado em Open Science Framework sob o DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JYTVD. Os dados foram analisados e sintetizados de forma narrativa.

Resultados:

46 publicações identificadas sinalizam que o período pandêmico trouxe inúmeras repercussões para a população com autismo e seus familiares ao vivenciarem sérias dificuldades nas mudanças ou irregularidades das rotinas programadas; limitação no acesso à educação, às terapias e apoio social.

Conclusão:

as evidências sugerem que a pandemia da COVID-19 exacerbou as desigualdades já vivenciadas por pessoas com autismo e seus familiares, com consequências negativas nos aspectos emocionais, psicológicos, comportamentais e sociais, interferindo na qualidade de vida e saúde mental desta população. Estudos futuros sobre indivíduos com autismo e suas famílias durante períodos de crise de saúde coletiva são de fundamental importância para o planejamento de intervenções psiquiátricas, psicossociais e educacionais.

Descritores:
Transtorno do Espectro Autista; Família; Relações Familiares; Pandemia; Infecção por Coronavírus; Revisão

Abstract

Objective:

to map the diverse scientific evidence available about the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their family members.

Method:

a scoping review conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, SciELO, SCOPUS, EMBASE and Wiley Online Library, in August and September 2021. The protocol of this review was registered at the Open Science Framework under DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JYTVD. The data were analyzed and synthesized in a narrative way.

Results:

a total of 46 publications identified indicate that the pandemic period brought about countless repercussions for the population with autism and their family members when experiencing serious difficulties in the changes or irregularities of the scheduled routines and limited access to education, therapies and social support.

Conclusion:

the diverse evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the inequalities already experienced by individuals with autism and their family members, with negative consequences in the emotional, psychological, behavioral and social aspects, interfering with the quality of life and mental health of this population segment. Future studies on individuals with autism and their families during public health crisis periods are of fundamental importance for planning psychiatric, psychosocial and educational interventions.

Descriptors:
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Family; Family Relations; Pandemics; Coronavirus Infection; Review

Resumen

Objetivo:

mapear la evidencia científica disponible sobre las repercusiones de la pandemia de COVID-19 para las personas con Trastorno del Espectro Autista y sus familiares.

Método:

revisión de alcance realizada en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, CINAHL, SciELO, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, en agosto/septiembre de 2021. El protocolo de esta revisión fue registrado en Open Science Framework bajo DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JYTVD. Los datos fueron analizados y sintetizados en forma narrativa.

Resultados:

46 publicaciones identificadas indican que el período de pandemia trajo numerosas repercusiones para la población con autismo y sus familiares al experimentar serias dificultades en los cambios o irregularidades en las rutinas programadas; acceso limitado a educación, terapias y apoyo social.

Conclusión:

la evidencia sugiere que la pandemia de COVID-19 agudizó las desigualdades que ya experimentaban las personas con autismo y sus familias, tuvo consecuencias negativas en los aspectos emocionales, psicológicos, comportamentales y sociales, que afectaron la calidad de vida y salud mental de esta población. Es fundamental que se realicen estudios futuros sobre personas con autismo y sus familias durante períodos de crisis de salud pública para planificar intervenciones psiquiátricas, psicosociales y educativas.

Descriptores:
Trastorno del Espectro Autista; Familia; Relaciones Familiares; Pandemias; Infecciones por Coronavirus; Revisión

Destaques

(1) As vulnerabilidades das pessoas com TEA foram acentuadas durante o período pandêmico.

(2) As medidas para contenção da pandemia ocasionaram mudanças abruptas na vida diária.

(3) Estas mudanças favoreceram a exacerbação de sintomas psicológicos e comportamentais.

(4) A qualidade de vida e o bem-estar de pessoas com TEA e familiares foram comprometidos.

(5) O estudo preenche lacunas de conhecimento e na literatura nacional e internacional.

Introdução

O Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19) é uma doença infecciosa que acomete o aparelho respiratório, causada pelo novo coronavírus, identificado pela primeira vez em dezembro de 201911. Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Wang X, Zhou L, Tong Y, et al. Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2020 Mar;382(13):1199-207. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2001316
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2001316...
, que, dada a sua facilidade de propagação e o aumento exponencial das taxas de morbimortalidade, foi elevada ao status de pandemia em março de 2020 pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS)22. World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): situation report - 78 . Geneva: WHO; 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Available from: http://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200407-sitrep-78-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=bc43e1b_2.

Representando a maior crise sanitária mundial do último século, a COVID-19 levou as autoridades de saúde de diversos países a adotarem medidas de emergência como a extensão obrigatória de períodos de quarentena, distanciamento físico/social, fechamento de escolas e serviços não essenciais, procedimentos de higiene e proteção com uso obrigatório de máscara, como formas de conter a propagação do vírus e proteger seus cidadãos33. Nuñez A, Le Roy C, Coelho-Medeiros ME, López-Espejo M. Factors affecting the behavior of children with ASD during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurol Sci. 2021;28:1-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05147-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05147...

4. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
-55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...
.

Embora as medidas impostas para contenção da pandemia sejam eficazes para mitigar a propagação do vírus, são responsáveis por múltiplas mudanças e interrupções de vários aspectos da vida diária, que gerou sentimentos de tensão, medo, estresse e ansiedade sem precedentes, tornando o mundo incerto, imprevisível e caótico55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...

6. Lugo-Marín J, Gisbert-Gustemps L, Setien-Ramos I, Espanol-Martín G, Ibanez-Jimenez P, Forner-Puntonet M, et al. COVID-19 pandemic effects in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers: Evaluation of social distancing and lockdown impact on mental health and general status. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021;83:101757. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101757
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.1017...
-77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
.

Dentre as consequências da COVID-19 têm-se, ainda, os impactos na saúde mental, visto que debilitou o bem-estar psicológico de muitas pessoas44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
, estando associada ao aparecimento de sintomas psiquiátricos em indivíduos mentalmente saudáveis, exacerbação de transtornos mentais em casos pré-existentes, e, consequentemente, elevou a sobrecarga de trabalho para familiares88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
.

A pandemia evidenciou e aumentou as disparidades sociais, educacionais e de saúde33. Nuñez A, Le Roy C, Coelho-Medeiros ME, López-Espejo M. Factors affecting the behavior of children with ASD during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Neurol Sci. 2021;28:1-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05147-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05147...
, bem como afetou de forma desproporcional as pessoas com deficiência99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
, incluindo aquelas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA), tendo em vista o potencial para exacerbação dos sintomas do transtorno, acesso limitado às terapias e atividades sociais, sobrepujando a responsabilidade esmagadora colocada em seus familiares1010. Bellomo TR, Prasada S, Munzerb T, Laventhala N. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with autism spectrum disorders. J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2020;13(3):349-54. doi: 10.3233/PRM-200740
https://doi.org/10.3233/PRM-200740...
.

Mediante o exposto, a relevância deste trabalho, se ancora na necessidade de direcionar os olhares e as discussões sobre as repercussões da COVID-19 na saúde e bem-estar das pessoas com TEA e seus familiares, a partir da síntese de evidências científicas, a qual favorecerá a tradução do conhecimento científico para a prática em saúde, permitindo o desenvolvimento e a implementação de intervenções psiquiátricas, psicossociais, educacionais e de saúde voltados para esse grupo populacional. Logo, objetivou-se mapear as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre as repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para as pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista e seus familiares.

Método

Tipo do estudo

Trata-se de uma revisão de escopo que seguiu as etapas recomendadas pelo Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) e do checklist Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)1111. Peters M, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Trico A, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews . In: Aromataris E, Munn Z, editors. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Adelaide: Joanna Briggs Institute; 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Available from: doi: 10.46658/jbimes-20-12
https://doi.org/10.46658/jbimes-20-12...
que contempla as seguintes etapas: desenvolvimento de título e questão; introdução; critérios de inclusão; estratégias de pesquisa; seleção das fontes de evidência; extração de dados; análise das evidências e apresentação dos resultados1212. Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467-73. doi: 10.7326/M18-0850
https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850...
. O protocolo desta revisão foi registrado em Open Science Framework sob o DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JYTVD (disponível em https://osf.io/jytvd).

Coleta de dados

Para a elaboração da pergunta de pesquisa, utilizou-se do mnemônico PPC (População, Conceito e Contexto): P - pessoas com TEA e seus familiares, C - repercussões no cotidiano/vida e C - pandemia da COVID-19. Desta forma, indagou-se: Quais são as evidências científicas disponíveis sobre as repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 na vida de pessoas com TEA e seus familiares?

O processo de busca e seleção dos artigos ocorreu entre 23 de agosto e 03 de setembro de 2021, nas seguintes bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), SciELO (Web of Science), SCOPUS, EMBASE e Wiley Online Library (WOL), em três etapas distintas: 1) na primeira pesquisa, utilizaram-se descritores controlados adequados às bases de dados pesquisadas (Medical Subject Headings - MeSH e Descritores em Ciências da Saúde - DeCS), conectados com os operadores booleanos AND e OR; 2) na segunda etapa utilizaram-se descritores não controlados a fim de ampliar a busca, utilizando-se de termos específicos ao tema atual em todas as bases de dados escolhidas; 3) a última etapa consistiu na identificação e seleção nas listas de referências das fontes utilizadas. Ressalta-se que não foi possível incluir a literatura cinzenta devido à grande atualidade do tema pesquisado.

Utilizou-se a mesma estratégia de busca em todas as bases de dados, descritas da seguinte forma: Descritores (MeSH) - “Autism Spectrum Disorder” OR “Autism Disorder” OR “Autism” AND “Family” OR “Parents” AND “Pandemics” AND “coronavirus disease-19” OR “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2”

Critérios de seleção

Dentre os critérios de inclusão, selecionaram-se todos os estudos disponíveis com os mais variados desenhos metodológicos, artigos de comentários, estudos de caso, editoriais, revisão bibliográfica, matéria jornalística, em todos os idiomas, publicados entre janeiro de 2020 e agosto 2021 - quando as publicações sobre a COVID-19 foram introduzidas na literatura mundial.

Foram excluídos estudos que não atenderam aos objetivos da pesquisa com base no título e resumo, aqueles indisponíveis na íntegra após extensa pesquisa, cópias de estudos duplicados, além de resumos de conferências, palestras e/ou apresentação de trabalhos.

Tratamento e análise dos dados

A seleção dos estudos foi realizada em fases. Na primeira, dois investigadores de forma independente, examinaram os títulos e os resumos de estudos potencialmente relevantes e os artigos selecionados que pareciam cumprir os critérios de inclusão, foram submetidos a uma segunda etapa de seleção. Nesta, os mesmos revisores fizeram a leitura do texto completo de todos os artigos selecionados de forma independente, e excluíram aqueles que não cumpriam os critérios outrora estabelecidos. Diante de qualquer divergência durante o processo de seleção dos artigos na primeira ou na segunda fase, houve a consulta de um terceiro revisor.

A qualidade metodológica dos estudos primários não foi avaliada, visto que este aspecto não é considerado nas revisões de escopo. Na extração dos dados, utilizou-se o formulário recomendado pelo JBI com o intuito de facilitar a síntese de informações e a qualidade das recomendações1111. Peters M, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Trico A, Khalil H. Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews . In: Aromataris E, Munn Z, editors. JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Adelaide: Joanna Briggs Institute; 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Available from: doi: 10.46658/jbimes-20-12
https://doi.org/10.46658/jbimes-20-12...
.

Para o mapeamento das informações, a coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um instrumento adaptado do formulário JBI, elaborado pelos próprios pesquisadores no programa Microsoft Excel® para registrar as características dos estudos incluídos e as informações relevantes para a pesquisa: dados da publicação (ano, autores e país de publicação), objetivo do estudo, características metodológicas (tipo de estudo, características da população), principais resultados (desfechos e principais achados ou contribuições).

É mister ressaltar que todas as formas de dados foram analisadas qualitativamente com base nas convergências e/ou divergências identificadas, possibilitando integração das ideias de forma mais sumarizada e fidedigna aos achados.

Aspectos éticos

Por se tratar de uma pesquisa que utiliza dados públicos, não necessita de aprovação da Pesquisa no Comitê de Ética, no entanto, foram devidamente registradas todas as autorias.

Resultados

De acordo com a busca eletrônica, foram identificados nas bases de dados um total de 606 estudos potencialmente elegíveis, sendo removidas 84 cópias por duplicidade e após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 46 artigos foram lidos e analisados pelos autores do estudo, compondo assim a amostra final da revisão, conforme exposto na Figura 1.

Figura 1
Fluxograma do processo de seleção dos estudos adaptado do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)1212. Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):467-73. doi: 10.7326/M18-0850
https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850...
. Fortaleza, CE, Brasil, 2021

A fim de facilitar a apresentação dos dados extraídos dos artigos, a Figura 2 contempla a caracterização dos estudos, incluindo informações como título, país, idioma e abordagem metodológica.

Figura 2
Caracterização dos artigos incluídos na revisão de escopo. Fortaleza, CE, Brasil, 2021

A partir da Figura 2, percebe-se que a maioria das publicações foi na língua inglesa, com abordagem quantitativa, publicadas no ano de 2021, sugerindo uma internacionalização científica sobre a disseminação dos saberes relacionados às repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 no contexto do TEA.

No que concerne ao conteúdo discutido nos manuscritos, houve uniformização nas informações publicadas, as quais foram analisadas e organizadas em categorias por similaridade de conteúdo, como: 1 - Repercussões da pandemia para pessoas com TEA; 2 - Repercussões da pandemia para os familiares; 3 - Benefícios da pandemia para as pessoas com TEA e para os familiares.

Ao considerar a importância das evidências encontradas e sua relação com a questão problema e objetivo da pesquisa, organizaram-se os principais resultados dos estudos na Figura 3.

Figura 3
Repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para pessoas com TEA e seus familiares. Fortaleza, CE, Brasil, 2021

Discussão

Os resultados referidos nesta revisão de escopo possibilitaram apresentar um mapeamento da produção de conhecimento sobre as repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para pessoas com TEA e seus familiares, sendo organizados pela similaridade de conteúdo nas categorias: Repercussões da pandemia para as pessoas com TEA, Repercussões da pandemia para os familiares, Benefícios da pandemia para as pessoas com TEA e familiares.

Os estudos sinalizam que o período pandêmico trouxe inúmeras repercussões para a população com autismo e seus familiares ao vivenciarem sérias dificuldades nas mudanças ou irregularidades das rotinas programadas11. Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Wang X, Zhou L, Tong Y, et al. Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2020 Mar;382(13):1199-207. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2001316
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2001316...
,1313. Panjwani AA, Bailey RL, Kelleher BL. COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;115:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
,2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,3838. Oomen D, Nijhof AD, Wiersema JR. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries. Mol Autism. 2021;12(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s13229-021-00424-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-021-00424...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
; limitação no acesso à educação e às terapias44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
-55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...
,99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,1414. Vasa RA, Singh V, Holingue C, Kalb LG, Jang Y, Keefer A. Psychiatric problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. 2021;1-7. doi: 10.1002/aur.2574
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2574...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
e apoio social77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
,4343. Aarabi MA, Abdi K, Khanjani MS. COVID-19 and Mental Health of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families; What Can Be Done? Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud. 2021;8(2):e112188. doi: 10.5812/mejrh.112188
https://doi.org/10.5812/mejrh.112188...
-4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
, interferindo na qualidade de vida e saúde mental dos mesmos.

Repercussões da pandemia para as pessoas com TEA

Os achados revelam que o período pandêmico trouxe consequências negativas para a população com TEA no que se refere aos aspectos emocionais44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
-99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,1313. Panjwani AA, Bailey RL, Kelleher BL. COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;115:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...

14. Vasa RA, Singh V, Holingue C, Kalb LG, Jang Y, Keefer A. Psychiatric problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. 2021;1-7. doi: 10.1002/aur.2574
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2574...
-1515. White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;113:103938. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1039...
,1717. Nadler C, Godwin DL, Dempsey J, Nyp SS. Autism and Access to Care During the COVID-19 Crisis. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 ;1;42(1):73-5. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000894
https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.000000000000...
,2424. Picon D. Ways to support autism & special needs families during the coronavirus pandemic. EP Magazine . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Disponível em: https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/6-ways-help-special-needs-families-during-the-pandemic/
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/ar...
,2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
,3434. Huang S, Sun T, Zhu Y, Song S, Zhang J, Huang L, et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with ASD and Their Families: An Online Survey in China. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021;14:289-97. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S293426
https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S293426...
-3535. Meral BF. Parental Views of Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disorders During the COVID 19 Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;15:1-13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05070-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05070...
,3838. Oomen D, Nijhof AD, Wiersema JR. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries. Mol Autism. 2021;12(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s13229-021-00424-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-021-00424...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,4545. Amorim R, Catarino S, Miragaia P, Ferreras C, Viana V, Guardiano M. The impact of COVID-19 on children with autism spectrum disorder. Rev Neurol. 2020;71(8):285-91. doi: 10.33588/rn.7108.2020381
https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.7108.2020381...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
,5050. Nguyen PM, Tran TT, Thach TNA, Nguyen TV. An Unexpected Positive Effect of Social Distancing Measures on the Care of Children With Autism in Vietnam. Asia Pacific J Public Health. 2021;33(2-3);320-1. doi: 10.1177/1010539521997717
https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539521997717...
, comportamentais11. Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Wang X, Zhou L, Tong Y, et al. Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2020 Mar;382(13):1199-207. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2001316
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2001316...
,66. Lugo-Marín J, Gisbert-Gustemps L, Setien-Ramos I, Espanol-Martín G, Ibanez-Jimenez P, Forner-Puntonet M, et al. COVID-19 pandemic effects in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers: Evaluation of social distancing and lockdown impact on mental health and general status. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021;83:101757. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101757
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.1017...
,99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,1414. Vasa RA, Singh V, Holingue C, Kalb LG, Jang Y, Keefer A. Psychiatric problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. 2021;1-7. doi: 10.1002/aur.2574
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2574...
-1515. White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;113:103938. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1039...
,1717. Nadler C, Godwin DL, Dempsey J, Nyp SS. Autism and Access to Care During the COVID-19 Crisis. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 ;1;42(1):73-5. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000894
https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.000000000000...
,1919. Kalvin CB, Jordan RP, Rowley SN, Weis A, Wood KS, Wood JJ, et al. Conducting CBT for Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID 19 Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Jan 1;1-9. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04845-1
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04845...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,3535. Meral BF. Parental Views of Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disorders During the COVID 19 Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;15:1-13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05070-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05070...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
e nas atividades de vida diária44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
-55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...
,77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,1515. White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;113:103938. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1039...
-1616. Manning J, Billian J, Matson J, Allen C, Soares N. Perceptions of Families of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the COVID 19 Crisis. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;51:2920-8. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04760-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04760...
,2727. Young E, Milligan K, Henze M, Johnson S, Weyman K. Caregiver burnout, gaps in care, and COVID-19 Effects on families of youth with autism and intellectual disability. Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(7):506-8. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6707506
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6707506...
-2828. Ameis SH, Lai MC, Mulsant BH, Szatmari P. Coping, fostering resilience, and driving care innovation for autistic people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Mol Autism. 2020;11(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13229-020-00365-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-020-00365...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,3535. Meral BF. Parental Views of Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disorders During the COVID 19 Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;15:1-13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05070-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05070...
,4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
-4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,4747. Fernandes ADSA, Speranza M, Mazak MSR, Gasparini DA, Cid MFB. Desafios cotidianos e possibilidades de cuidado com crianças e adolescentes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) frente à COVID-19. Cad Bras Ter Ocup. 2021;29:e2121. doi: 10.1590/2526-8910.ctoAR212
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,4949. Nithya GD, Damodaran V, Mythili V. A study on impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 Pandemic on activities of daily living, play, and sensory behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional survey study. Indian J Occup Ther. 2021;53:64-76. doi: 10.4103/ijoth.ijoth_34_21
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoth.ijoth_34_2...
.

As repercussões emocionais identificadas na população com TEA durante o período pandêmico77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,2727. Young E, Milligan K, Henze M, Johnson S, Weyman K. Caregiver burnout, gaps in care, and COVID-19 Effects on families of youth with autism and intellectual disability. Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(7):506-8. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6707506
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6707506...
,4545. Amorim R, Catarino S, Miragaia P, Ferreras C, Viana V, Guardiano M. The impact of COVID-19 on children with autism spectrum disorder. Rev Neurol. 2020;71(8):285-91. doi: 10.33588/rn.7108.2020381
https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.7108.2020381...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
, vão desde transtornos mais leves, como a alteração no humor geral99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,1414. Vasa RA, Singh V, Holingue C, Kalb LG, Jang Y, Keefer A. Psychiatric problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. 2021;1-7. doi: 10.1002/aur.2574
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2574...
,1717. Nadler C, Godwin DL, Dempsey J, Nyp SS. Autism and Access to Care During the COVID-19 Crisis. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2021 ;1;42(1):73-5. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000894
https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.000000000000...
,2424. Picon D. Ways to support autism & special needs families during the coronavirus pandemic. EP Magazine . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14]. Disponível em: https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/6-ways-help-special-needs-families-during-the-pandemic/
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/ar...
e estresse agudo88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
,1313. Panjwani AA, Bailey RL, Kelleher BL. COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;115:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
,1515. White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;113:103938. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1039...
,4545. Amorim R, Catarino S, Miragaia P, Ferreras C, Viana V, Guardiano M. The impact of COVID-19 on children with autism spectrum disorder. Rev Neurol. 2020;71(8):285-91. doi: 10.33588/rn.7108.2020381
https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.7108.2020381...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
a casos mais sérios, como aumento da irritabilidade/agressão11. Li Q, Guan X, Wu P, Wang X, Zhou L, Tong Y, et al. Early transmission dynamics in Wuhan, China, of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2020 Mar;382(13):1199-207. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2001316
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2001316...
,99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
, ansiedade99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
,5050. Nguyen PM, Tran TT, Thach TNA, Nguyen TV. An Unexpected Positive Effect of Social Distancing Measures on the Care of Children With Autism in Vietnam. Asia Pacific J Public Health. 2021;33(2-3);320-1. doi: 10.1177/1010539521997717
https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539521997717...
, depressão1313. Panjwani AA, Bailey RL, Kelleher BL. COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;115:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
,3838. Oomen D, Nijhof AD, Wiersema JR. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries. Mol Autism. 2021;12(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s13229-021-00424-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-021-00424...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,5050. Nguyen PM, Tran TT, Thach TNA, Nguyen TV. An Unexpected Positive Effect of Social Distancing Measures on the Care of Children With Autism in Vietnam. Asia Pacific J Public Health. 2021;33(2-3);320-1. doi: 10.1177/1010539521997717
https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539521997717...
, falta de atenção/distração66. Lugo-Marín J, Gisbert-Gustemps L, Setien-Ramos I, Espanol-Martín G, Ibanez-Jimenez P, Forner-Puntonet M, et al. COVID-19 pandemic effects in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers: Evaluation of social distancing and lockdown impact on mental health and general status. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021;83:101757. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101757
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.1017...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,4848. Rodríguez IDC, Cordero AR. Repercusión psicológica en niños con Trastorno del espectro autista durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Multimed . 2020 [cited 2022 Feb 14];24(3). Avaliable from: http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/mtm/article/view/1978
http://www.revmultimed.sld.cu/index.php/...
, problemas de sono44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
.

Em repostas às interrupções impostas pela pandemia, as pessoas com autismo experimentaram níveis elevados de irritabilidade, explosões verbais e comportamento de oposição. Alguns apresentaram piora significativa nos problemas comportamentais, como hiperatividade, inquietação, adaptação diminuída, impaciência. Os pais observaram deterioração na comunicação; aumento de comportamentos estereotipados, hipersensibilidade e agressão; mudanças de apetite; e surgimento de novos e/ou aumento de tiques existentes, autolesão1515. White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;113:103938. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1039...
,2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,3636. Mutluer T, Doenyas C, Genc HA. Behavioral Implications of the Covid-19 Process for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Individuals' Comprehension of and Reactions to the Pandemic Conditions. Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:561882. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561882
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56188...
,4040. Patel JA, Badiani AA, Nielsen FBH, Assi S, Unadkat V, Patel B, et al. COVID-19 and autism: Uncertainty, distress and feeling forgotten. Public Health Pract. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.puhip.2020.100034
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2020.100...
-4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
,4646. Chamak B. Vécus de familles d'enfants autistes en période de confinement: étude exploratoire. Neuropsychiatr Enfance Adolesc. 2021. doi: 10.1016/j.neurenf.2021.05.003
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurenf.2021.0...
.

As mudanças abruptas de rotina e a interrupção de atividades sociais, terapias e do convívio social provocaram confusão e desorganização emocional entre os indivíduos com TEA, pela preferência dos mesmos por ambientes altamente previsíveis. Essas circunstâncias se manifestam como uma involução nos comportamentos sociais e emocionais desses pacientes2626. Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 July. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05177...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
.

O fechamento das escolas e a suspensão das terapias podem ter uma consequência devastadora sobre o desenvolvimento desses indivíduos4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
, pois a “quebra” na rotina configura-se como um fator gerador de estresse emocional2929. Southey S, Morris R, Saini M. Coparenting autistic children during COVID-19: Emerging insights from practice. Int Soc Work. 2021;1-6. doi: 10.1177/00208728211013881
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872821101388...
. A transição das atividades presenciais para o ensino online foi descrita como um grande desafio para os pais e para as pessoas com TEA, além do fato que as aulas online reduziram ainda mais a interação social desencadeando sentimentos de solidão1414. Vasa RA, Singh V, Holingue C, Kalb LG, Jang Y, Keefer A. Psychiatric problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. 2021;1-7. doi: 10.1002/aur.2574
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2574...
.

A dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde já era uma realidade vivenciada pelos indivíduos com TEA em condições não pandêmicas. Encontrar atendimento acessível com a sobrecarga do sistema de saúde, muitas vezes com procedimentos adicionais e restrições devido ao COVID-19, exacerbou as disparidades já existentes3535. Meral BF. Parental Views of Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disorders During the COVID 19 Pandemic. J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;15:1-13. doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05070-0
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05070...
. A não acessibilidade a serviços de reabilitação, como ambulatório, terapia da fala e ocupacional, pode levar a atrasos nas habilidades de desenvolvimento55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...
.

A interrupção ou suspensão dos serviços de saúde mental durante a pandemia ocorreu no momento em que a demanda por tais serviços aumentou de forma exponencial. A dificuldade de acesso a serviços de saúde mental de emergência durante o período de isolamento, o estigma vivido pelos que padecem de transtornos mentais e a falta de treinamento dos serviços de emergências clínicas para atender a esta população favorecem o surgimento de uma epidemia de transtornos mentais concomitante ou subsequente à da COVID-19.

O isolamento provocou a interrupção de atividades físicas e de lazer para a população em geral, e trouxe consequências graves para pessoas com autismo, pois estes têm um efeito calmante e regulador, proporcionando redução do estresse e ansiedade, controle do humor, e podem estar ligados a expressão de emoções mais positivas2828. Ameis SH, Lai MC, Mulsant BH, Szatmari P. Coping, fostering resilience, and driving care innovation for autistic people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Mol Autism. 2020;11(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13229-020-00365-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-020-00365...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
.

A incipiente disponibilidade da rede de apoio social durante a pandemia teve efeito negativo tanto para as pessoas com TEA como para os pais, visto que está associada ao aumento da frustração dos cuidadores pela sobrecarga de trabalho e responsabilidade, e a comportamentos problemáticos nos autistas, ocasionando sofrimento mental familiar77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,99. Latzer IT, Leitner Y, Karnieli-Miller O. Core experiences of parents of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Autism. 2021;25(4):1047-59. doi: 10.1177/1362361320984317
https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361320984317...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,4343. Aarabi MA, Abdi K, Khanjani MS. COVID-19 and Mental Health of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families; What Can Be Done? Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud. 2021;8(2):e112188. doi: 10.5812/mejrh.112188
https://doi.org/10.5812/mejrh.112188...
-4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
e interferindo de forma negativa na qualidade de vida e relacionamento familiar55. Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, et al. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci. 2021;11(6):808. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060808
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060808...
,77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
,4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
.

Conhecer e considerar as alterações na vida das pessoas com TEA durante a pandemia, possibilita uma análise criteriosa do contexto de funcionamento dos serviços de suporte de educação, saúde, assistência social, proporcionando uma melhoria na vida e na saúde, mitigando efeitos negativos e sequelas no desenvolvimento desta população em momentos de crises de saúde coletiva.

Repercussões da pandemia para os familiares

Cuidar de uma pessoa com TEA está associado a um maior estresse parental quando comparado a qualquer outro tipo de deficiência3232. Martínez-Gonzalez AE, Moreno-Amador B, Piqueras JA. Differences in emotional state and autistic symptoms before and during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;116:104038. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104038
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
, e lidar com a pandemia e as medidas restritivas está associado a demandas adicionais para estes pais.

A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe sérias repercussões para os familiares de pessoas com TEA, visto que a literatura relata níveis mais elevados de estresse e baixa qualidade de vida, pois além de lidar com os compromissos familiares e de trabalho, precisam realizar atividades de cuidado complicadas, como gerenciar o comportamento e as emoções de seus filhos, que frequentemente são imprevisíveis4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
. O alto nível de estresse dos pais pode ter impacto negativo no bem-estar psicológico das pessoas com TEA e exacerbar os sintomas comportamentais, criando um círculo vicioso3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
.

A magnitude e a intensidade da COVID-19 apresentam-se como um sério desafio para os pais. Quase a totalidade dos estudos, sinalizaram que a crise econômica, as incertezas profissionais e as questões financeiras77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,2828. Ameis SH, Lai MC, Mulsant BH, Szatmari P. Coping, fostering resilience, and driving care innovation for autistic people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Mol Autism. 2020;11(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s13229-020-00365-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-020-00365...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
-3232. Martínez-Gonzalez AE, Moreno-Amador B, Piqueras JA. Differences in emotional state and autistic symptoms before and during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;116:104038. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104038
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
,4242. Colizzi M, Sironi E, Antonini F, Ciceri ML, Bovo C, Zoccante L. Psychosocial and Behavioral Impact of COVID-19 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Online Parent Survey. Brain Sci. 2020;10:341. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10060341
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060341...
,4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
consequentes da pandemia, foram geradoras de tensões, angústias e preocupações.

O acúmulo de tarefas e a necessidade de conciliar múltiplas funções (trabalho home office, afazeres domésticos, educação domiciliar, demandas de cuidar de outros membros da família) durante a pandemia, trouxe aos pais de pessoas com TEA uma elevada sobrecarga física, psicológica e emocional88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
,1313. Panjwani AA, Bailey RL, Kelleher BL. COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;115:104002. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104002
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1040...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
.

Todos os aspectos acima mencionados mostram a vulnerabilidade desta população. A literatura mostra que a associação desses fatores interferiu na saúde mental dos pais neste período de pandemia, e os mesmos apresentaram sintomas acentuados de estresse77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
-88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
,2727. Young E, Milligan K, Henze M, Johnson S, Weyman K. Caregiver burnout, gaps in care, and COVID-19 Effects on families of youth with autism and intellectual disability. Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(7):506-8. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6707506
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6707506...
, angústia88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
,2727. Young E, Milligan K, Henze M, Johnson S, Weyman K. Caregiver burnout, gaps in care, and COVID-19 Effects on families of youth with autism and intellectual disability. Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(7):506-8. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6707506
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6707506...
,4141. Alhuzimi T. Stress and emotional wellbeing of parents due to change in routine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;108:103822. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103822
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2020.1038...
, ansiedade66. Lugo-Marín J, Gisbert-Gustemps L, Setien-Ramos I, Espanol-Martín G, Ibanez-Jimenez P, Forner-Puntonet M, et al. COVID-19 pandemic effects in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers: Evaluation of social distancing and lockdown impact on mental health and general status. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2021;83:101757. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2021.101757
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2021.1017...
,88. Wong PW, Lam Y, Lau JS, Fok H. The Resilience of Social Service Providers and Families of Children With Autism or Development Delays During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Community Case Study in Hong Kong. Front Psychiatry. 2021;11:561657. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.561657
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.56165...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
, depressão3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,3333. Wang L, Li D, Pan S, Zhai J, Xia W, Sun C, et al. The relationship between 2019-nCoV and psychological distress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Global Health. 2021;17(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12992-021-00674-8
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00674...
,4444. Naeim M, Rezaeisharif A. The COVID-19 outbreak and the problems of children with autism. Minerva Psichiatrica. 2021;62(1);2-4. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6612.20.02101-9
https://doi.org/10.23736/S2724-6612.20.0...
e baixa qualidade de vida77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
,2727. Young E, Milligan K, Henze M, Johnson S, Weyman K. Caregiver burnout, gaps in care, and COVID-19 Effects on families of youth with autism and intellectual disability. Can Fam Physician. 2021;67(7):506-8. doi: 10.46747/cfp.6707506
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6707506...
,3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,3838. Oomen D, Nijhof AD, Wiersema JR. The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries. Mol Autism. 2021;12(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s13229-021-00424-y
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-021-00424...
.

A saúde mental das famílias foi afetada pela COVID-19 e desafios comportamentais em todos os membros foram observados. As várias interrupções na rotina diária desencadearam sintomas de ansiedade, sentimentos de tensão e preocupação, comprometendo a dinâmica familiar2929. Southey S, Morris R, Saini M. Coparenting autistic children during COVID-19: Emerging insights from practice. Int Soc Work. 2021;1-6. doi: 10.1177/00208728211013881
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872821101388...
.

Benefícios da pandemia para as pessoas com TEA e para os familiares

Os familiares e as pessoas com TEA vivenciaram o período pandêmico de maneira diferente, alguns acharam que foi um momento muito difícil e frustrante. No entanto, há realidade em que as pessoas reajustaram e experimentaram melhorias no relacionamento com seus filhos e familiares44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
.

Entre os efeitos positivos da pandemia encontrados em algumas literaturas, merece destaque o fato que alguns pais afirmaram beneficiar-se com um tempo extra para ensinar novas habilidades relacionadas à sua autonomia, para estabelecer rotinas de cuidados e talvez mais importante, promover as habilidades sociais e interação comunicativa de seus filhos. O período de isolamento possibilitou mais tempo para a família e maior interação familiar77. Corbett BA, Muscatello RA, Klemencic ME, Schwartzman JM. The impact of COVID-19 on stress, anxiety, and coping in youth with and without autism and their parents. Autism Res. 2021;14:1496-511. doi: 10.1002/aur.2521
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2521...
.

Foi observado em alguns estudos que a diminuição da demanda acadêmica e das interações sociais vividas por algumas crianças foram relatadas pelos pais como associadas à diminuição de comportamentos negativos, melhora do humor e aumento das demonstrações de afeto. O bloqueio reduziu a sobrecarga sensorial e social de alguns adultos com autismo que revelaram que a pandemia melhorou suas vidas44. Althiabi Y. Attitude, anxiety and perceived mental health care needs among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;111:103873. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103873
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
,4343. Aarabi MA, Abdi K, Khanjani MS. COVID-19 and Mental Health of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families; What Can Be Done? Middle East J Rehabil Health Stud. 2021;8(2):e112188. doi: 10.5812/mejrh.112188
https://doi.org/10.5812/mejrh.112188...
,5050. Nguyen PM, Tran TT, Thach TNA, Nguyen TV. An Unexpected Positive Effect of Social Distancing Measures on the Care of Children With Autism in Vietnam. Asia Pacific J Public Health. 2021;33(2-3);320-1. doi: 10.1177/1010539521997717
https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539521997717...
.

De forma geral, cada família enfrentou o período da pandemia da COVID-19 de forma muito particular, haja vista que a situação socioeconômica, os desafios profissionais, a resiliência dos pais, o acesso a serviços essenciais e o comportamento dos filhos durante a quarentena, constituíram-se em alguns dos fatores que poderiam/podem potencializar ou minimizar as repercussões da pandemia na vida das pessoas com TEA e seus familiares.

O conhecimento de como as pessoas com TEA e seus familiares enfrentaram a pandemia da COVID-19 é crucial para fornecer intervenções personalizadas e apoios ajustados em um período incerto e nas próximas situações semelhantes derivadas desta e de futuras pandemias3131. Mumbardo-Adam C, Barnet-Lopez S, Balboni G. How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives. Res Dev Disabil. 2021;110:103860. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103860
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2021.1038...
.

Discussões sobre o TEA no período da pandemia são relevantes, pelo impacto sobre a forma como um indivíduo vai sentir e interagir com o mundo ao seu redor. Apesar de ser algo bastante delicado para a criança e, também, para os seus pais, através da informação e do apoio de profissionais especializados é possível superar os desafios e lidar de maneira positiva com essa condição que afeta milhões de pessoas.

Limitação do estudo

Este estudo teve como limitação a ausência de pesquisas com alto nível de evidência, como ensaios clínicos e estudos com grandes amostras, justificado por ser uma temática recente.

Conclusão

Este trabalho mapeou a produção científica sobre as repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 para pessoas com TEA e seus familiares.

A pandemia da COVID-19 criou rapidamente uma situação instável, que intensificou a sintomatologia autista, problemas emocionais e acarretou drásticas mudanças nas atividades de vida diária. O período prolongado de distanciamento e isolamento social perturbou a vida das pessoas com TEA e foi um desafio importante para seus familiares, interferindo na qualidade de vida, bem-estar e saúde mental da díade indivíduo com TEA-familiares.

Espera-se com este estudo fortalecer discussões sobre como as pessoas com TEA e seus familiares vivenciaram esta profunda crise de saúde pública e quais as repercussões em suas vidas, de modo a impulsionar a produção e disseminação de novos conhecimentos em diferentes contextos, na perspectiva de conquistar melhorias na qualidade de vida, dar voz e visibilidade a esta população, que vive às margens da sociedade.

Intervenções de saúde e políticas públicas precisam ser planejadas e coordenadas em todos os setores, abordando a gama de disparidades relacionadas ao bloqueio que as pessoas com TEA têm vivenciado durante a pandemia COVID-19 e certamente vivenciará depois dele, de forma a proporcionar respostas inclusivas e minimizar danos para esta população em períodos de emergências de saúde pública.

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Editado por

Editora Associada

Maria Lúcia Zanetti

Datas de Publicação

  • Publicação nesta coleção
    06 Jan 2023
  • Data do Fascículo
    2022

Histórico

  • Recebido
    14 Fev 2022
  • Aceito
    08 Jul 2022
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