Caregivers' Experiences Taking Care of Children and Teenagers With Autism Spectrum Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Qualitative Approach

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children and teenagers with autism exhibited behavioral changes, which contributed to increased parenting stress. This study focused on caregivers' experiences in Thailand, as they often lacked information on how to address these issues, and it may serve as a valuable source of essential information for further interventions for parents. Purpose: To explore caregivers' experiences while caring for children and teenagers with autism. Methodology: The researcher conducted a qualitative study to explore caregivers' experiences regarding caregiving for children and teenagers with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 15 participants, who were caregivers, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire until data saturation was achieved. The data set was transcribed verbatim by professionals and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The participants' experiences were reflected in four themes: (a) facing difficulties with behavioral changes; the caregivers faced the behaviors changing such as decreasing connecting behaviors, children's self-stimulating behaviors, losing control of their eating, and time spent watching their screens (b) caring adaptation: caregivers adapted their caregiving strategies to manage child-developmental training and infection prevention; (c) confronting emotions: caregivers experienced anxiety and stress while caring for their children; and (d) assistance: caregivers received help from local volunteers who delivered food and medicine. Conclusion: The caregivers' experiences included dealing with changing behaviors, adapting to care, and facing negative emotions while caring for their loved ones. Health professionals should provide parents with information about managing changing behaviors and reducing parenting stress. Additionally, they should deliver information via alternative platforms, such as telemedicine phone calls, when needed.