COVID-19 Morbidity Among Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Matched Controlled Population-Based Study

Israel Krieger, Galit Erez, Orly Weinstein, Arnon Dov Cohen, Dana Tzur Bitan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study we aimed to assess whether individuals with ASD are prone to higher infection rates, or to severe COVID-19 illness. Individuals with ASD and age- and gender-matched controlled counterparts (total n = 32,812) were assessed for COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations. Results indicated higher infection rates among individuals with ASD, with the largest effect among individuals aged 40–60 (OR = 2.05, 95%CI 1.33–3.15, p <.001), as well as higher odds for hospitalizations, evident primarily in men (OR = 2.40, 95%CI 1.14–5.02, p = 0.02) but not women. Medical and environmental risk factors may associate ASD with higher infection and morbidity rates. Healthcare policy providers should consider proactive steps to protect this population from the associated risks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)789-794
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume53
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2023

Keywords

  • ASD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • COVID-19
  • Infection
  • Morbidity
  • Population-based

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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