OBJECTIVES: In order to adapt to the changes caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, family and professionals have also tried to help people with autism by exchange of experience developing recommendations and procedures. The negative changes in their children's condition and the lack of familiar support services were an additional source of stress.

METHODS: In the online, quantitative, cross-sectional questionnaire survey, 116 caregivers provided feedback on the characteristics and difficulties of their child's health care during the pandemic. Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square test were used at 95% probability level (p<0.05), and results were evaluated using SPSS 23.0 software.

RESULTS: The sex ratio of people with autism was 25% female and 75% male, with a median age of 15 years (SD: ± 4.856 years). 61.2% had mild symptoms. 50% declared themselves to be in a poor financial situation. 20.7% of respondents did not receive any support from anyone. Sample most often used GP care and physiotherapy, bought over-the-counter medicines and herbs. 68.1% did not wear a mask. Only 5.2% had received professional autism care and only 13% felt that the epidemiological measures had been communicated clearly. Those infected with the virus showed a greater increase in symptoms of autism (p<0.001). In case of mild symptoms, they were more likely to perceive their health problems as resolved (p<0.001). People with moderate to severe symptoms were ill for longer periods (p<0.001). Parents of moderately and severely affected children scored significantly lower on the Hungarian version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant results, research findings are not generalisable to the population, but they highlight the gaps in the care system and the difficulties faced by families. Through our research we would like to encourage the mapping of the needs of families and the characteristics of the care system.