The current pandemic climate is not disability-inclusive.
This system map serves as an in-depth overview of the drastic changes the pandemic has impacted children with autism. Parents are the first responders and this system map reflects their top concerns. There are macro effects contributing to what are restricting autistic children from having a healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. The micro effects are the main pandemic themes that make up the new normal for autistic children. They include: the pandemic protocols including bylaws, emotional toxicity, and the lack thereof disability inclusivity.
Continuous post-pandemic effects
Social isolation has affected children's routines and their lifestyles but increased the risk of immediate, short term, and long term effects, even after the pandemic protocols are resumed. Research shows that routines with less interruptions develop less short term effects. Long term side effects have been highlighted in red because they pose an almost permanent risk for most autistic cases.
The Ideal Covid Response
The ideal covid response should be established so that the recovery rate for autistic children and their families are not jeopardized. These macro effects contribute to what’s restricting autistic children from having a healthy lifestyle during the pandemic. They include digital accessibility, emotional stability, and are not limited to support, and social fabrics. Social fabrics are made up of family, friends, caregivers, and the community.
