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Impact of Instructional Guidelines on Mothers’ Anxiety Regarding Behavioural Changes among Children with Autism during Corona Virus Disease

AbstractCorona virus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has a negative psychological impact on Egyptian mothers of children with autism. As a result of social distancing, both mothers and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were not supported by face to face by care and not able to participate in external care and staying at home. Aim: The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of instructional guidelines on mothers’ anxiety regarding behavioral changes among children with autism during corona virus disease. Subjects and method: in this study quasi-experimental research design was used on a convenient sample composed of 130 mothers having children with autism residing at Sohag Governorate, Egypt. Five tools were used in this study: A self-administered questionnaire, the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System, The ASD Behaviour Inventory, The Short Sensor and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The link of the survey using the questionnaire, the scale, and the instructional guidelines were sent to the participants' mothers through Facebook and Whats App groups. Results: The study showed an increase in repetitive and restricted behaviors among more than one-third of the participants. Mothers' anxiety level was severe before the implementation of the guideline and became low after guidelines implementation. Conclusion: The instructional guidelines were effective in reducing mothers’ anxiety regarding behavioral changes among children with autism during coronavirus pandemic outbreaks. Recommendations: Educational programs about the meanings of behavioral changes of their children, COVID -19 and its preventive measures should be taught to all mothers and psychological support is essential for them.