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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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23-02-2024 | Original Article

The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Autistic Children and Their Families

Auteurs: Kristy A. Anderson, Melissa Radey, Jessica E. Rast, Anne M. Roux, Lindsay Shea

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 4/2025

Abstract

Purpose

We used data from the National Survey of Children’s Health to (1) examine differences in economic hardship and safety net program use after the implementation of federal relief efforts, and (2) assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated autism-based disparities in hardship and program use.

Methods

We examined five dimensions of economic hardship (poverty, food insecurity, medical hardship, medical costs, and foregone work) and four safety net programs (cash assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and free or reduced-cost meals). First, we calculated adjusted prevalence and odds ratios to compare pre-COVID (2018–2019) and during COVID (2021) outcomes by autism status. Next, we calculated the adjusted odds of each outcome among autistic children compared to those of children with and without other special healthcare needs at both time points.

Results

COVID-19 exacerbated autism-based disparities in food insecurity, SNAP, and public health insurance, but alleviated inequities in medical hardship, foregone work, and cash assistance. Autistic children did not experience declines in food insecurity or increases in SNAP like other children; medical hardship and foregone work decreased more for autistic children; and the magnitude of autism-based differences in public coverage significantly increased during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Federal relief efforts likely improved economic outcomes of children; however, these effects varied according to type of hardship and by disability group. Efforts to promote economic well-being among autistic populations should be tailored to the financial challenges most salient to low-income autistic children, like food insecurity.

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Titel: The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Autistic Children and Their Families
Auteurs: Kristy A. Anderson
Melissa Radey
Jessica E. Rast
Anne M. Roux
Lindsay Shea
Publicatiedatum: 23-02-2024
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 4/2025
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06280-y

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The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Autistic Children and Their Families

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Andere artikelen Uitgave 4/2025

The Comprehension of Grammatical Structures in a Pediatric Population with ASD and Epilepsy: A Comparative Study

Exploring Latine Parent Leaders’ and a Program Coordinator’s Lived Experiences with a Culturally Adapted Parent-Directed Training Program

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Log in om toegang te krijgen

The Comprehension of Grammatical Structures in a Pediatric Population with ASD and Epilepsy: A Comparative Study

Exploring Latine Parent Leaders’ and a Program Coordinator’s Lived Experiences with a Culturally Adapted Parent-Directed Training Program

Self-Regulation and Academic Learning in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to School Engagement and Levels of Autism Characteristics

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Correction: Initial Validation of the Mandarin Translation of the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale (SSDS)