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Purpose This paper aims to consider the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown restrictions. Design/methodology/approach This commentary reflects on the issues raised by Morris et al., and in the wider literature. Findings Although there have been some benefits to lockdown for people with intellectual disabilities, mainly they have experienced isolation, increased mental health and well-being challenges, difficulty in accessing services, support and adequate adapted information. Originality/value This commentary argues that it is important to continue to capture the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities now and over time to assess the long-term consequences of the pandemic and to design services which are respondent to their needs.

Background:\ud The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread international restrictions, severely impacting on health and social care services. For many individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) this meant reduced access to services and support for them and their carers.\ud \ud Aim:\ud The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways parents of adults with ID coped during the first 2020 lockdown period.\ud \ud Methods:\ud Eight parents of adults with ID were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis.\ud \ud Results:\ud Four main themes were identified: powerless and unappreciated; coping under lockdown; support; and the impact of lockdown on well-being.\ud \ud Conclusions:\ud The parents of adults with ID who made up our sample reported that they received little support from services and experienced a sense of powerlessness. Nevertheless, they were open to accepting support from family and friends and showed remarkable resilience. These findings are discussed in the light of the Willner et al. (2020) survey results on parental mental health and coping, and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.

Background:\ud Recent COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions resulted in reduced access to educational, professional and social support systems for children with intellectual disabilities and their carers.\ud \ud Aim:\ud The aim of this study was to gain insight into the ways mothers of children with intellectual disabilities coped during the first 2020 lockdown period.\ud \ud Methods:\ud Eight mothers of children with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis.\ud \ud Results:\ud Three main themes were identified: carrying the burden; a time of stress; and embracing change and looking to the future.\ud \ud Conclusions:\ud All mothers experienced increased burden and stress. However, some also described some positive impact of lockdown conditions on them as well as on their child's well‐being and behaviour. These findings are discussed in the light of the (Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 33, 2020, 1523) survey results on parental coping and suggestions for future service provision during pandemic conditions are proposed.\ud \ud