Infectious Disease

Children with Autism, ADHD who are able to have face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic

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School-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and / or ADHD were able to cover activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open.

“Fabric covers are considered a key strategy to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.” Benjamin Aaronson, PhD, of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington at Seattle, and colleagues wrote. “However, policymakers and parents are concerned about students’ ability to mask effectively. We report the outcome of using positive behavioral supports to promote masking in verbal school age children [ASD and/or ADHD] Participation in a summer day treatment program. “

Infographic data derived from: Aaronson B, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2021; doi: 10.1001 / jamanetworkopen.2021.10281.

Researchers evaluated the face-covering behavior of 104 children, ages 5 to 13 (mean age 8.9 years; 81% men), who attended a summer treatment program at the University of Washington’s Autism Center in July 2020. A total of 27% of the participants had ASD, 36% had ADHD, 28% had both, and 10% had none. College students and college students supervised groups of 10 children participating in activities such as group discussions, sports, board games, snacks, lunch, and breaks, all of which were outdoors. The participants received points via a token economy for behaviors such as helping, sharing, following activity rules and being athletic. A researcher recorded a masking bonus for every 10- to 15-minute interval of activity that a child wore a face covering their nose and mouth for most of the interval.

The results showed a total of 30,539 intervals and a mean of 24.47 intervals per day per child during the 3 week period. A total of 86% of children wore face covering for 75% or more of all observed intervals, including intervals for snacks and lunch when no face covering was expected. The researchers found a significant association between age and the frequency with which a face covering was worn. They observed face coverings 61% of the intervals in children 7 years of age and 92% of the intervals in children 12 years of age (P = 0.01).

“Our results are consistent with recent reports on face covering in school-age children, but included direct observation and were extended to children with higher SEN,” wrote Aaronson and colleagues. “Limitations include a small sample size, high staff-to-child ratio, no data on previous masking behavior, and no interrater reliability. As policy makers and school staff consider plans for personal activities, face covering can be used as part of a constellation of practices to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric settings. “

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