COVID-19 Infection and Mitigation Strategies for Young Children with Autism and Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

Research from the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) has found that young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) are more likely to contract COVID-19 and experience difficulties with mitigation strategies compared to children from the general population. The study, conducted by researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine, used data from 1027 participants in the SEED program to assess the relationship between study group and difficulty with COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prevalence of having 1 or more positive COVID-19 tests was 3 times higher for children in the ASD and DD groups versus the population comparison group (POP).
  • In adjusted models, children in the ASD group were more likely to have difficulty with all 3 mitigation strategies and nasal swabbing compared with children in the POP group.
  • The DD group was more likely than the POP group to experience difficulty with handwashing and physical distancing.
  • Children with ASD and DD were more likely to have at least 1 positive COVID-19 test and difficulty following mitigation strategies compared with the general population.
  • The study highlighted the importance of supporting youth with ASD and DDs in anticipation of future public health emergencies and the annual respiratory disease season.

Statistics:

  • 3: The prevalence of having 1 or more positive COVID-19 tests was 3 times higher for children in the ASD and DD groups versus the POP group.
  • 1027: The number of SEED participants who completed the survey.
  • 1: The number of positive COVID-19 tests that children in the ASD and DD groups were more likely to have.
  • 3: The number of mitigation strategies that children in the ASD group had difficulty with.
  • 2020: The year when children were aged 3 to 8 years.
  • The study concluded that youth with ASD and DDs have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing difficulties with mitigation strategies compared to the general population.

Sources:

  • COVID-19 Infection and Mitigation for Young Children With Autism and Other Disabilities. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 2025;46(5).
  • NewsRx. New Data from Washington University School of Medicine Illuminate Findings in COVID-19 (COVID-19 Infection and Mitigation for Young Children With Autism and Other Disabilities). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 2, 2025; p 115.