COVID-19 and behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder: Disparities by income and food security status.

Abstract Background Research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is lacking. Aims This study investigates the relationship between COVID-19 and behaviors of children with ASD living in the United States. Methods and procedures Parents and caregivers (n = 200) across the United States, as proxies for children 2–17 years of age with ASD, participated in an online survey querying changes in overall behavior and 15 specific behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of a moderate-to-large impact on the child’s overall behavior with household income level and food security status. Outcomes and results A majority of respondents reported a moderate-to-large impact on the child’s overall behavior (74 %) due to COVID-19. Several specific behaviors were also affected. Stratifying by income level and food security status revealed disparities in the impact on overall behavior and most specific behaviors. Compared to a household income ≥$100 K, an income Conclusions and implications Our findings show a large proportion of caregivers reporting moderate-to-large changes post-COVID-19 in the behaviors of U.S. children with ASD, particularly in families with low income and/or food insecurity. This study highlights the effects of existing disparities on children with ASD and their families during this unprecedented time.