The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This review explores how the pandemic affected young adults with autism, highlighting challenges like social isolation and disrupted routines, while also noting some benefits from remote work and virtual therapies.

Contribution

The study systematically reviews the unique impact of the pandemic on young adults with ASD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and inclusive policies.

Findings

The pandemic caused significant disruptions in daily life and increased dependence on caregivers for young adults with ASD.

Technology-assisted interventions helped mitigate some adverse effects, such as through virtual therapies and remote work opportunities.

There is a clear need for targeted support and inclusive policies to address the challenges faced by this group during crises.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures significantly disrupted daily life, with profound consequences for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Young adults with ASD faced unique challenges due to disruptions in routines, employment instability, limited access to essential services, and increased social isolation. While some individuals benefited from reduced social pressures and the adoption of remote work, many experienced heightened anxiety, behavioral difficulties, and declines in autonomy. This systematic review examines the impact of the pandemic on young adults with ASD, focusing on key domains such as autonomy, employment, service accessibility, socialization, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and its protocol was pre-registered in the PROSPERO database. A search was conducted in four databases—PubMed, Scous, Web of Science, and PsycInfo—as well as in specialized journals in the field. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final synthesis. The findings highlight significant disruptions in daily life, increased dependence on caregivers, and difficulties in maintaining structured activities. However, technology-assisted interventions, including virtual therapies and remote work opportunities, played a role in mitigating some adverse effects. Conclusions: Despite the heterogeneity in methodologies, this review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to support young adults with ASD during crises. Future research should focus on long-term consequences and developing inclusive policies that enhance resilience, access to services, and social integration.

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