Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on autism spectrum disorder service providers in Qatar: challenges, insights, and lessons learned - Takeaways - MDSpire

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on autism spectrum disorder service providers in Qatar: challenges, insights, and lessons learned

  • 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

  • May 5, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted essential services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Qatar.

  • 2

    90.9% of ASD service providers in Qatar worked remotely during the pandemic, with 81.8% offering online services.

  • 3

    Providers reported high stress levels, with significant associations to emotional tolls, financial strains, and personal challenges.

  • 4

    Thematic analysis revealed decreased therapy effectiveness and difficulties in balancing work with family responsibilities.

  • 5

    The study emphasizes the need for adaptive service delivery systems to ensure continuity of care during future crises.

Original Source(s)

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on autism spectrum disorder service providers in Qatar: challenges, insights, and lessons learned

  • 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

  • May 5, 2026

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