Challenges of Primary Caregiving for Children with Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe

Abstract

COVID-19 has brought about multi-faceted challenges to people with disabilities and their caregivers have not been spared. This qualitative inquiry, utilizing a narrative design sought to explore these challenges being faced by caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 lockdown in Zimbabwe. The study showed that psychological challenges like stress, lack of training on COVID- 19 preventative measures, repetitive destructive behaviours, ASD management challenges were identified in the study as being faced by the caregivers. The paper proposed recommendations for Autism sensitisation and workshops, education and training for communities on ASD, dissemination of care for children with ASD using media platforms advocacy for caregivers, and extensive research by social workers to inform policymakers in addressing the challenges faced by the caregivers even for future pandemics.