While the adverse effects of the pandemic affected practically everyone, adults with autism remained and are still at a higher risk for pandemic-related mental health problems. Fortunately, if this cohort has access to affordable and reliable autism support services in Fayetteville, guidance, and tips from reliable health services, they can successfully cope with the pandemic’s adverse effects.
Why Adults with Autism Remain at Higher Risk COVID-19 Related Mental Health Problems?
Different studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused mental health challenges that remain unique to adults with autism due to the following reasons:
- High susceptibility to stress
- Ritualized behavior patterns
- Inflexible adherence to routine activities
- Increased prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions
Restriction measures such a social distancing and lockdown shifted interactions from face-to-face to video calls and remote working that affects social functioning and daily routines among adults with autism. Such unpredictable changes exacerbate the risk of mental health problems among people with autism.
Study Results of COVID-19 Related Mental Health Problems Among Adults With Autism
Although the internet abounds with information on the pandemic experience of people with autism, studies focusing on adults with autism remain scarce. However, one recent study investigating adults from the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands indicates that mental health problems such as anxiety and depression among adults with autism increased significantly during the pandemic. Accordingly, depression symptoms due to the pandemic increased by 74%, and anxiety signs by 75%. In addition, the pandemic’s psychological burden on these individuals increased due to limited access to support and guidance services such as autism services in Fayetteville and beyond and increased worries related to topics such as personal safety, access to basic needs, and job security.
How Can an Autism Support Service in Fayetteville Help Adults With Autism?
It is challenging to find effective coping strategies for adults with autism due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s direct impact on social lives, routines, and co-occurring psychiatric problems. Therefore, accessing support services is essential for adults with autism to lead healthy lives. Fortunately, support services in Fayetteville such as ShineLight serve as a guiding light for people with autism. In addition, the pandemic has taught us the best way to improve our residential supports, community living services, and supported employment to help adults and children adapt to the pandemic’s consequences.
ShineLight Provides Autism Support Services in Fayetteville and Beyond
ShineLight was created with the distinct purpose of providing a brighter life and future for individuals with autism. ShineLight serves as a guiding light for individuals and their families by leading the way in support services and community advocacy. Their service areas include: Fayetteville, Wake, Sampson, Scotland, Duplin, Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, Wilson, Edgecombe, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, and Bladen Counties. Contact us today.
