To explore the experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) service providers in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges they faced in adapting service delivery methods.
Key Findings:
90.9% of service providers worked remotely during the pandemic.
81.8% engaged in online services, but reported significant skill regression in individuals with ASD.
42.4% of providers experienced high stress levels, significantly linked to emotional tolls [p = 0.017, LR = 4.887], financial strains [p = 0.008, LR = 4.337], and personal challenges [p = 0.008, LR = 3.203].
Therapy effectiveness decreased, and balancing work with family responsibilities was difficult.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate a critical need for adaptive service delivery systems to ensure continuity of care for individuals with ASD during crises, highlighting the fragility of existing support structures and the urgent need for improvement.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a specific geographic area (Qatar) and may not be generalizable to other regions.
The reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.
The evolving nature of the pandemic may impact the applicability of these findings over time.
Conclusion:
Strengthening autism service infrastructure and developing resilient models are essential to safeguard autism support for future emergencies, especially in light of ongoing challenges.
by Fouad Alshaban, Iman Ghazal, Fatema Al-Faraj, Sarah Aqel, Sanaa T. Al-Harahsheh, Mustafa Lotfy, Hawraa Al-Shammari, I. Richard Thompson, Assal Nasir, Mohamed Tolefat
