A Qualitative Examination of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals with Neuro-developmental Disabilities and their Families.
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| Title: | A Qualitative Examination of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Individuals with Neuro-developmental Disabilities and their Families. |
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| Authors: | Nicholas, David B., Mitchell, Wendy, Ciesielski, Jill, Khan, Arisha, Lach, Lucyna |
| Source: | Journal of Child & Family Studies. Aug2022, Vol. 31 Issue 8, p2202-2214. 13p. 1 Color Photograph. |
| Subjects: | Social determinants of health, Caregivers, Health services accessibility, Developmental disabilities, Families, Mental health, Neural development, Qualitative research, Communication, Technology, COVID-19 pandemic, Psychological resilience |
| Abstract: | Individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities (NDD) have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on focus groups with 24 service providers supporting this population, using an Interpretive Description approach, we examined perceived impacts of the pandemic on individuals with NDD and their families. The results highlight pandemic-related experiences which include: service reduction, the need for financial supports, relying on natural supports, and school-related challenges. Interruptions in services have resulted in intensified mental health issues for individuals with NDD and family caregivers, with particular concern for those with added social determinants of health-related barriers. Mitigating factors have also emerged, such as resilience and technology utilization to facilitate communication. Recommendations for resource flexibility and sufficiency as well as navigational support are offered. Highlights: Focus groups were conducted with 24 service providers to learn about the impacts of the pandemic on individuals with NDD and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities (NDD) who required supports, and for their families. Many community supports and services for this population were reduced during the pandemic, leading to difficulties, confusion, and outrage for individuals and families. Stress and caregiver burnout were described, with additional struggles faced by those with additional social determinants of health barriers. Generative factors were also described, including family resiliency and the leveraging of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities (NDD) have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on focus groups with 24 service providers supporting this population, using an Interpretive Description approach, we examined perceived impacts of the pandemic on individuals with NDD and their families. The results highlight pandemic-related experiences which include: service reduction, the need for financial supports, relying on natural supports, and school-related challenges. Interruptions in services have resulted in intensified mental health issues for individuals with NDD and family caregivers, with particular concern for those with added social determinants of health-related barriers. Mitigating factors have also emerged, such as resilience and technology utilization to facilitate communication. Recommendations for resource flexibility and sufficiency as well as navigational support are offered. Highlights: Focus groups were conducted with 24 service providers to learn about the impacts of the pandemic on individuals with NDD and their families. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities (NDD) who required supports, and for their families. Many community supports and services for this population were reduced during the pandemic, leading to difficulties, confusion, and outrage for individuals and families. Stress and caregiver burnout were described, with additional struggles faced by those with additional social determinants of health barriers. Generative factors were also described, including family resiliency and the leveraging of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 10621024 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10826-022-02336-8 |
