Did Increased Parent–Child Dyadic Time Lead to Earlier Help-seeking for Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Comparative Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly. It is not known if such altered circumstances impact the identification of developmental delays as well as help-seeking. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the comprehensive intake assessments completed by a senior clinician (VR) at our hospital. The objective was to investigate potential differences in the age at which individuals sought help, comparing two six-month periods: one prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and one following its onset. Results: The findings indicated that ASD formed a significantly larger proportion (45% vs. 21.1% Chi-square test ϰ² = 36.185, P < .001) of all children seen in our services during the pandemic than in the previous year. These children were brought at a lower age (87 months vs. 104 months, t = 3.341, P < .001) than in the previous year. This difference was not noted in non-ASD children during the same two time periods (89 months vs. 79 months, t = 1.83, P < .068). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that school-age children were less likely to be brought in for clinical assessment during periods of prolonged school closures. Several factors may have contributed to this trend, including reduced access to community pediatricians and other primary points of referral during the pandemic. At the same time, extended periods of home confinement may have heightened caregiver observation, potentially facilitating the earlier identification of developmental concerns and prompting help-seeking behavior, particularly for younger children. These findings highlight the importance of examining time trends in clinical data on NDDs to better understand how external events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, influence help-seeking patterns. They also underscore the value of public health strategies that support early engagement of parents and carers with toddlers, especially in families considered at high risk for ASD. Strengthening such initiatives could improve early identification and access to intervention services.