The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Autistic Adults in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Study

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref
Learn more about the sources used

Bundy, R., Mandy, W., Crane, L., Belcher, H., Bourne, L., Brede, J., Hull, L., & cook, J. (2021). The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Autistic Adults in the UK: A Mixed-Methods Study [Preprint]. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/9v5qh

Publication date: 2 Feb 2021 Added to AutiHub: 8 Sep 2026 Type: Preprint Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
8
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 8 (12.5%)
  1. Rebecca Bundy
  2. William Mandy
  3. Laura Crane
  4. Hannah Belcher *
  1. Laura Bourne
  2. Janina Brede
  3. Laura Hull
  4. Julia cook

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with mental health declines in the general population. Those with pre-existing vulnerabilities are known to be at particular risk. This may include autistic people, who have high levels of mental and physical health problems. Yet little is currently known about the impact of the pandemic on autistic people. Using an online survey, this mixed-methods study gathered data from 133 autistic adults in the United Kingdom (UK), about their experiences of the pandemic in relation to their mental health. Results indicated that the mental health impact of the pandemic on autistic adults was variable. A sizeable minority reported improvements in their mental health associated with COVID-19 restrictions. By contrast, most participants described an overall negative impact their levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Analysis of qualitative data using thematic analysis highlighted four themes that contributed to mental health changes in autistic adults: (i) adjusting to changes to the social world, (ii) living with uncertainty, (iii) disruptions to self-regulation, and (iv) barriers to fulfilling basic needs. Based on these findings, we discuss recommendations about how to support autistic people; both as the pandemic persists and once normality ensues.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

No cited bibliography is currently integrated for this reference. This does not necessarily mean that no bibliography exists.