L'esperienza del lockdown per le famiglie con persone autistiche: una ricerca sociologica

The first wave of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown has posed significant challenges to a population with particular care needs, such as children and young people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact that actions as the closure of schools and socio-educational services, restrictions on mobility, and social distancing have had on people with autism and their caregivers. A web survey has been administered to a sample of 102 families. The results suggest that the Covid-19 health emergency has aggravated the burden of families who have had to take care of their children in the absence of educational interventions, which represent an essential element for the well-being and quality of life of people with autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, the results show a general mistrust towards public institutions, as well as the fear of a reduction in interventions for autistic people.