Exploring the unique impact of COVID-19 measures on autistic child development and parenting stress: comparing two cohorts in The Netherlands

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic, and related preventative measures, impact global stressors on autistic children, adolescents and their families. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study compared two cohorts, one spanning just before and throughout the pandemic, and one during a non-pandemic period, to explore child functioning and parenting stress in families with autistic children. Autism symptom development was assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 at three-time points, while emotional and behavioral functioning was examined across two-time points using the Brief Problem Monitor. Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Questionnaire. Findings Results indicated no significant differences between the cohorts in parent-reported autism symptoms or the emotional and behavioral functioning of autistic children and adolescents. Whereas no differences emerged in children’s functioning, during the COVID-19 pandemic period parents reported more parental role restriction and physical health problems along with fewer parenting problems compared to parents during a non-pandemic period. Originality/value These findings provide insight into how families were potentially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems that parents in particular may benefit from more tailored support, such as flexible respite services, remote interventions and self-care programming designed for parents of autistic children, especially in times like a pandemic.