Study protocol for autism specific transition resources (T-Res Study): developing a flexible resource package for dealing with the loosening and/or lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions

Autism specific transition resources (T-Res) aims to develop a flexible resource package to support children and young people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families and educators, during the loosening and/or lifting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related restrictions on movement. A secondary aim is to determine the current and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 related restrictions on the wellbeing of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their parents/caregivers. Measuring and addressing the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions in movement is of prime importance at this time. The impacts of this crisis will be far reaching and many may not be realised for many years. The proposed research will focus on children and young people with a diagnosis of ASD, their families and educators. The ASD population alone is sizable with 14,000 (or 1.55%) of students in schools holding a diagnosis. When parents, teachers, tutors and special needs assistants (SNAs) are also considered this is a considerable group. The proposed research has the potential to have impacts that are social, psychological, educational and economic. This will be achieved through development of an online transition package to guide parents and educators in preparing children and young people for the resumption of regular daily routines following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. This resource will be developed based on the needs of families and young people, as measured through surveys, as well as expert consensus on the targets and means of intervention. This ambitious project can be commenced quickly and is designed to produce outputs quickly, which will in turn be disseminated to key stakeholders.