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The lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic children and adolescents remains uncertain. Disruptions to routines, social communication and support systems presented unique challenges. The existing body of research has produced inconclusive results, necessitating further investigation to elucidate this ambiguity. This study aims to provide clarity regarding the emotional and behavioral functioning of autistic youth in response to COVID-19 related lockdowns. We further explore distinct subgroups of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), investigating the socially inflexible and demand avoidant profile.

To surpass short-term outcomes, this study examined emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) by means of the Brief Problem Monitor in 69 autistic youth before, during and after a national lockdown in the Netherlands. Using individualized measurement (Reliable Change Indices), group-level changes were discerned. An exploratory analysis compared individuals from the socially inflexible and demand avoidant profile.

Both on a group and individual level, this findings suggest stability of EBPs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its corresponding measures. However, while the demand avoidant profile showed significantly more EBPs compared to the socially inflexible profile prior to the pandemic, the two profiles showed similar EBPs levels during and post-pandemic. Taken together, autistic youth and their families may have exhibited unique adaption strategies toward challenges caused by the pandemic and managed them better than initially expected.

The findings urge to look beyond group level functioning, and rather into nuances in ASD profiles to tailor interventions and support to the needs of autistic youth and families. A novelty of the study consists in having identified two different autism profiles to explain differences among subgroups of ASD.