Autism and the coronavirus pandemic
Spectrum stories: Life in lockdown with autism
Host Chelsey B. Coombs talks to clinicians and people with autism about their experience of the pandemic, how their routines have changed and some of the unexpected benefits.
![two people social distancing](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200617-COVIDSR844.jpg)
Spectrum stories: Life in lockdown with autism
Host Chelsey B. Coombs talks to clinicians and people with autism about their experience of the pandemic, how their routines have changed and some of the unexpected benefits.
Amidst the pandemic, autism’s largest conference moves online
Organizers of the International Society for Autism Research's annual meeting will host digital offerings on 3 June.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200601-INSAR-844.jpg)
Amidst the pandemic, autism’s largest conference moves online
Organizers of the International Society for Autism Research's annual meeting will host digital offerings on 3 June.
Coronavirus threatens autistic people living in group homes
Living in close quarters, with rotating staff and sometimes inadequate protective equipment, group-home residents are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200522-GroupHomes844.jpg)
Coronavirus threatens autistic people living in group homes
Living in close quarters, with rotating staff and sometimes inadequate protective equipment, group-home residents are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Quarantine may hit autistic women and children hardest
The coronavirus lockdown has radically disrupted autistic people’s schedules and access to services, according to a new survey.
![Mom at home with two kids trying to help them with online work.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200429-SparkCovid844.jpg)
Quarantine may hit autistic women and children hardest
The coronavirus lockdown has radically disrupted autistic people’s schedules and access to services, according to a new survey.
Autistic people must not be denied access to ventilators
With life-saving gear in short supply during the pandemic, health authorities must ensure that disabled people are not pushed to the back of the line.
![patient in hospital on ventilator, seen through a window.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200505-LutermanVentilator844-1.jpg)
Autistic people must not be denied access to ventilators
With life-saving gear in short supply during the pandemic, health authorities must ensure that disabled people are not pushed to the back of the line.
Autism researchers adapt studies for a socially distant world
Locked out of labs during the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are moving their investigations to virtual and online formats, a shift that may bring lasting changes to autism research.
![Researcher talking on phone and working on computer at home.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200430-Remote8441.jpg)
Autism researchers adapt studies for a socially distant world
Locked out of labs during the coronavirus pandemic, scientists are moving their investigations to virtual and online formats, a shift that may bring lasting changes to autism research.
How to help autistic children cope with pandemic lockdowns
Sheltering in place is especially hard for autistic children who dread changes in routine and who may have learned to repress their ways of managing stress. Here are tips to help them cope.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200428-DesRochesRosa-844.jpg)
How to help autistic children cope with pandemic lockdowns
Sheltering in place is especially hard for autistic children who dread changes in routine and who may have learned to repress their ways of managing stress. Here are tips to help them cope.
How anti-vaccine activists are using COVID-19 to boost their movement
While most of the world hungers for a vaccine to put an end to the death and economic destruction wrought by COVID-19, some anti-vaccine groups are joining anti-lockdown protesters to challenge restrictions aimed at protecting public health.
![anti vaccine protesters](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/repubVacCovid-844.jpg)
How anti-vaccine activists are using COVID-19 to boost their movement
While most of the world hungers for a vaccine to put an end to the death and economic destruction wrought by COVID-19, some anti-vaccine groups are joining anti-lockdown protesters to challenge restrictions aimed at protecting public health.
Remote diagnosis, support could aid families during lockdown
Cut off from clients by the pandemic, clinicians are turning to video conferencing and other technologies to diagnose children with autism.
![doctor with remote patients on screen in his office](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200427-DelayedDiagnoses-844.jpg)
Remote diagnosis, support could aid families during lockdown
Cut off from clients by the pandemic, clinicians are turning to video conferencing and other technologies to diagnose children with autism.
Coronavirus tool kit may aid families with autistic children during lockdown
To help families cope with the sudden loss of professional support during the pandemic, one team in France has created a set of resources and information.
![Family inside house--boy is having a meltdown--parents are watching and mom is making a call for advice or support.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020021-Bourgeron-Delorme844.jpg)
Coronavirus tool kit may aid families with autistic children during lockdown
To help families cope with the sudden loss of professional support during the pandemic, one team in France has created a set of resources and information.
Explore more from The Transmitter
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
![Research image of neurons in the fly’s ventral nerve cord.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lede-motormodules-1200-1024x692.webp)
New connectomes fly beyond the brain
Researchers are mapping the neurons in Drosophila’s ventral nerve cord, where the central nervous system meets the rest of the body.
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
![Illustration of researchers talking to laypeople amidst strands of DNA.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200_Charman-1024x687.webp)
Building an autism research registry: Q&A with Tony Charman
A purpose-built database of participants who have shared genomic and behavioral data could give clinical trials a boost, Charman says.
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/paincircuit-1200-1024x692.webp)
Cerebellar circuit may convert expected pain relief into real thing
The newly identified circuit taps into the brain’s opioid system to provide a top-down form of pain relief.