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Autism in the Age of Coronavirus: How the Community Network Approach (CNA) Handled the Emergency

Fabiana Sonnino*, Consuelo Granatelli, Silvia Nazzicone, Fulvia Ferrante, Chiara Surini, Siria Baffetti

The year 2020 was marked by the worldwide pandemic caused by the Sars-Cov-2 virus, causing extra-ordinary contexts and bringing changes to people’s habits and lifestyles. People diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) had to introduce pervasive changes to their routines, re-adjusting the life context in which they had been placed. To respond to the situation, our organization, which uses the cognitive-behavioral Community Network Approach (CNA), had to extend its paradigm and to adapt to alternative forms of intervention, which could comply with the guidelines for the prevention and contrast of the spread of the virus. The CNA, which envisages the formulation of an individualized intervention plan that takes into account the person, their world and their life project, allows specific, recognized and valid aspects of other approaches to be integrated within it. To adapt its interventions to requirements, the CNA was inspired by the principles of Emotional Activation and Bodily Reciprocity therapy, integrating them with experiences of Outdoor Education and Schools on the Move and computer aids. This has enabled the following: the organization of a new routine, the preservation and implementation of friendships, the strengthening of social skills and the improvement of quality of life through the acquisition of greater flexibility.