Spectrum: Autism Research News
Autism and the coronavirus pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic is altering autism research in unprecedented ways. It also has had a huge impact on the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. This special report wraps up Spectrum’s coverage so far on the myriad reverberations of the virus within the autism community.
In the academic world, conferences have been cancelled and labs have put clinical trials on hold, moved their efforts online or shuttered altogether. Scientific journals are extending deadlines for authors and editors, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health is similarly granting researchers greater flexibility in their applications, budgets and progress reports. Scientists are redesigning some studies for a socially distanced world. Clinicians, meanwhile, are rethinking how to screen for autism and offer therapy remotely.
For some people on the spectrum, life in lockdown is aggravating anxiety and other autism traits. Women and children with autism, and those living in group homes, seem particularly hard hit by the pandemic, although the experiences of autistic people have been almost as varied as the condition itself.
This special report also includes advice for families on managing lockdown from researchers and advocates, and calls for maintaining disability services and disability rights during the crisis. In a podcast and two webinars, you can listen to autistic people, clinicians and researchers discuss the pandemic and their experiences.
Featured Articles
Amidst the pandemic, autism’s largest conference moves online
Organizers of the International Society for Autism Research’s annual meeting will host digital offerings on 3 June.
Journals prepare for changes as coronavirus interrupts research
As the coronavirus pandemic disrupts researchers’ working lives, the academic journals that publish their work are adjusting too.
Coronavirus’ effect on autism research may have long-term consequences
The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered universities and institutes, leaving scientists scrambling to continue their research.
How governments should maintain disability services during the pandemic
People with disabilities are at increased risk of medical and other complications from coronavirus infection. There is a lot that governments can do to help them.
Coronavirus tool kit may aid families with autistic children during lockdown
To help families cope with the sudden loss of professional support during the pandemic, one team in France has created a set of resources and information.
Spectrum stories: Life in lockdown with autism
Host Chelsey B. Coombs talks to clinicians and people with autism about their experience of the pandemic, how their routines have changed and some of the unexpected benefits.
Quarantine may hit autistic women and children hardest
The coronavirus lockdown has radically disrupted autistic people’s schedules and access to services, according to a new survey.
How to help autistic children cope with pandemic lockdowns
Sheltering in place is especially hard for autistic children who dread changes in routine and who may have learned to repress their ways of managing stress. Here are tips to help them cope.
‘Flattening the curve’ may pose tough challenge for autistic people
Social distancing may pose special challenges for people with autism and their caregivers.
Remote diagnosis, support could aid families during lockdown
Cut off from clients by the pandemic, clinicians are turning to video conferencing and other technologies to diagnose children with autism.
U.S. funding agency offers researchers flexibility during pandemic
The National Institutes of Health is offering autism researchers who are coping with the coronavirus pandemic flexibility with their grant applications, budgets and progress reports.
How to run a lab from home during a pandemic
While much of the world’s operations have sputtered to a halt, some labs have found ways to keep science moving forward.
Autism researchers adapt studies for a socially distant world
Locked out of labs during the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are moving their investigations to virtual and online formats, a shift that may bring lasting changes to autism research.
Autistic in a pandemic: Stories from around the world
Nearly two dozen autistic people or their caregivers in 19 countries told Spectrum how the initial weeks of the pandemic have challenged and changed them.
Autistic people must not be denied access to ventilators
With life-saving gear in short supply during the pandemic, health authorities must ensure that disabled people are not pushed to the back of the line.
Webinar: Themba Carr, Amy Esler, Jeffrey Hine and Stephen Kanne on autism clinicians’ responses to COVID-19
On 23 April, Themba Carr, Amy Esler, Jeffrey Hine and Stephen Kanne spoke about how COVID-19 has affected their clinical practices, plus strategies for continuing to work during the crisis.
Coronavirus threatens autistic people living in group homes
Living in close quarters, with rotating staff and sometimes inadequate protective equipment, group-home residents are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Webinar: Somer Bishop, Gaia Novarino and Huda Zoghbi on COVID-19 and autism research
On 31 March, Somer Bishop, Gaia Novarino and Huda Zoghbi discussed how COVID-19 has affected their autism research and clinical practices, plus strategies for continuing to work during the crisis.
How anti-vaccine activists are using COVID-19 to boost their movement
While most of the world hungers for a vaccine to put an end to the death and economic destruction wrought by COVID-19, some anti-vaccine groups are joining anti-lockdown protesters to challenge restrictions aimed at protecting public health.