1. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioral Health of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Author
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Jessica Solomon, Sanders, Rajapillai L I, Pillai, Rachel, Sturley, Stefan, Sillau, Miya R, Asato, Bhooma R, Aravamuthan, Karen, Bonuck, Mackenzie C, Cervenka, Nancy, Hammond, Joanne F, Siegel, Vincent, Siasoco, and Benjamin A, Margolis
- Subjects
Psychiatry and Mental health ,Autism Spectrum Disorder ,Developmental Disabilities ,Intellectual Disability ,Humans ,COVID-19 ,Child ,Pandemics - Abstract
The authors examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the behavioral health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).A modified version of the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey-Adapted for Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions was sent to the authors' clinical networks and IDD-affiliated organizations from March to June 2021.In total, 437 people with IDD or their caregivers responded to the survey. Diagnoses included intellectual disability (51%) and autism spectrum disorder (48%). More than half (52%) of respondents reported worsened mental health. Losing access to services correlated with declining mental health. Interventions suggested to improve behavioral health included more time with friends and family (68%), more time outdoors (61%), and access to community activities (59%).COVID-19 affected the behavioral health of individuals with IDD. Survey results highlight the opportunity to leverage physical activity and pandemic-safe social supports as accessible means to mitigate gaps in services.
- Published
- 2022
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