THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND THEIR TREATMENT WITH MEDICAL REHABILITATION METHODS

Abstract

The post-Covid condition can affect a person's physical functioning and daily activities. The pandemic threatens the realization of development goals. The symptoms and consequences of the post-COVID-19 condition cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Statistics in children are different, the indirect impact of the pandemic on adolescents is also great. The spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has caused uncertainty, anxiety and stress, and these feelings are especially strong among children. As you know, people with autism spectrum disorder mainly show deficits in two areas: social communication and social relationships (restricted repetitive behaviors). This is a group of children who are constantly dependent on rehabilitative or educational services. Based on the above, it was interesting to determine the correlation. We conducted a small study involving only two groups of children on the autism spectrum. Two groups were selected, the first group was infected with the virus more than once, and the second group only once. Both groups were under observation for 5 months. In both groups, intervention, and rehabilitation were carried out based on a multidisciplinary approach. The study was conducted at a Mental Health Center. ADOS-observation of child behavior and ADI-R-structured interview with parents were used for assessment, also a record of physiotherapist ship and consultation. The first thing the study showed, most clearly, was the change in breathing rate. Finally, 5 months after resuming the rehabilitation process, after continuous delivery of therapeutic procedures, the respiratory rate returned to normal, in both groups of children, under investigation. The frequency of stereotyped movements is greatly reduced, appearing only during strong emotions. At the end of the study, when performing physical activity, the degree of independence increased by almost 50%.