Özet:

Introduction: People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulty adapting to changes and new routines, especially in crisis situations such as a pandemic. This provides caregivers with greater responsibility and emotional stress, which can have negative consequences for their mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to create coping and mental health promotion strategies in this population. We aim to reflect on the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of caregivers of people with ASD and identify strategies that can be adopted and preventive measures. Material and Methods: a scoping review of the literature published on the topic using PubMed/MEDLINE database. Results: The results highlight the emotional stress experienced by caregivers of people with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic. The interruption of support in health services, the closure of schools and socio-occupational support institutions and domestic demands were some of the challenges identified. The role of continuity of care for families of people with ASD during the pandemic and the need to implement flexible and timely support programs is highlighted. Telemedicine was one of the most highlighted interventions for the continuity of care and the implementation of support measures for caregivers. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of people with ASD and their caregivers. It is important to drive the expansion and development of support programs and adapted interventions. Multidisciplinary work is needed to overcome the challenges imposed by the pandemic, both at the current moment and in the post-pandemic period.

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