The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted children with special needs. In more than 50 percent of affected children, the negative effects are adversely reflected in sensory-motor development, cognitive skills, sleep, general behavior, and social interaction. 

"Individuals with autism simultaneously face several medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, obesity, and diabetes. They also encounter problems with strict personal hygiene and physical distancing practices," explains Dr Trajkovski and points out that during pandemic situations, these persons should have a high priority in treatment.

"Understanding what autism is, what to expect, and how to communicate with individuals who have this lifelong developmental disorder can be an essential aspect of the work of the school psychologist, special education teacher, speech-language teacher, occupational therapist, principal, doctor, physical therapist,  behavior specialist, and many others," points out Dr Trajkovski. 

Over the past two decades, autism spectrum disorder has become a more common diagnosis among children worldwide and represents a diagnosis that transcends racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences. »Launching regular mandatory education and updating all the healthcare providers about the management guidelines created for people with autism, supported by specialist providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and other specialties, is essential,« says Dr Trajkovski.

Dr Vladimir Trajkovski is a professor at Alma Mater Europaea – ECM and at the Institute for Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Macedonia. He is also the president and one of the founders of the Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism.