Perceptions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities about COVID-19 in Spain: a cross-sectional study

An Accessible Web-Based Survey to Monitor the Mental Health of People With Mild Intellectual Disability or Low Literacy Skills During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures affected the mental health of all populations. Particular subgroups are underrepresented in mainstream surveys because they are hard to reach, and study measurements are not adapted to their skills. These subgroups include people with lower cognitive and literacy skills, such as people with mild intellectual disability (MID), who were considered vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic given their low socioeconomic status, small social networks, increased risks of health problems, and difficulties understanding health-related information.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among people with MID or low literacy skills compared with those predominantly represented in national surveys.

METHODS

A repeated cross-sectional study of people with MID or low literacy skills and a general population sample was conducted in the Netherlands. An easy-read web-based survey was co-designed with, and tested among, people with MID or low literacy skills and conducted in 3 rounds within 1 year of the COVID-19 pandemic (T1: November to December 2020, T2: March to April 2021, and T3: September to October 2021). The survey contained questions about demographics and 6 aspects of mental health: feeling happy, feeling energized, feeling stressed, worry, feeling lonely, and sleeping problems.

RESULTS

Our adapted survey and recruitment procedure enabled 1059 persons with MID or low literacy skills to participate (T1: n=412, 38.9%; T2: n=351, 33.1%; and T3: n=296, 28%). They were significantly younger, had a lower level of education, and more often than not were born outside the Netherlands compared to the general population sample (P<.001). Approximately half of them (604/1059, 57.03%) received professional care. They displayed poorer mental health scores than the general population sample. The percentages of people with MID or low literacy skills who reported more negative feelings in T1 ranged from 20.6% (85/412) reporting feeling lonely often or almost always to 57.8% (238/412) reporting feeling happy almost never or sometimes. The general population sample's percentages were 5.4% (160/2930) and 32.2% (941/2918), respectively. Although scores improved over time in both populations, the disproportional effects remained.

CONCLUSIONS

General COVID-19-related restrictions for the entire Dutch population affected people with MID or low literacy skills more negatively than the general population. Our study underscores the relevance of including these subpopulations in public health research because they are often overlooked in regular health data. An accessible web-based survey particularly targeted at this population enabled us to do so, and we reached a group of respondents significantly different from regular survey participants. This survey's results provided insights into the health of people with MID or low literacy skills and gained knowledge to be used by care organizations and policy makers to reduce health disparities during a pandemic and in general.

Online social connections and Internet use among people with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic

Having a disability, in particular, an intellectual disability, is associated with Internet non-use. This article explores how people with intellectual disabilities used the Internet across the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April to May 2021, 571 adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Participants most commonly used the Internet for being with family and friends, social media or doing online activities with other people. People who lived with family were the most likely to use social media; people who lived with other people with intellectual disabilities were the least likely. People who self-reported as not lonely were more likely to use the Internet for online activities with others and play video games with others. Social connections were identified as the best thing about the Internet. Many participants chose not to identify a worst thing about Internet use, while others reported issues with technology, online harm and threats to well-being.

Perceived Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Qualitative Study

The current study examined the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions have had on individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted to collect data from participants who attended day programming by local community agency. Results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety restrictions impacted participants' knowledge of the disease, programming and work, relationships, activities, and emotions in ways that were both similar to and different from other findings in other populations. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on jobs for people with intellectual disabilities and autism in Wales

BACKGROUND

The study reports the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns on jobs for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. The study focuses on the impact of the first and the fire-break lockdowns and the actions taken to support young people.

METHOD

Data was collected from the cohort of young people currently working in Wales, and that received job coach support from the Engage to Change Project, on furlough arrangements, job retainment and job losses. Innovative initiatives to support young people are described.

RESULTS

Review of the working situation during the pandemic was conducted for 184 jobs, evaluating the proportion of young people being furloughed or working remotely and compared with the general population in Wales.

CONCLUSIONS

Supported employment agencies adapted their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering new and innovative ways to support young people and facilitate their return to work.

"Everything has changed since COVID": Ongoing challenges faced by Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities during waves 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in many ways, impacting their health and wellbeing. Early in the pandemic, the research team delivered a six-week virtual group-based program to help Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities cope and better manage their mental health. The study's objective was to explore ongoing concerns among individuals with intellectual disabilities following their participation in this education and support program. Thematic analysis was used to analyze participant feedback provided eight weeks after course completion. Twenty-four participants were interviewed in January 2021 and May 2021 across two cycles of the course. Three themes emerged: 1) employment and financial challenges; 2) navigating changes and ongoing restrictions; and 3) vaccine anticipation and experience. These findings suggest that despite benefiting from the program, participants continued to experience pandemic-related challenges in 2021, emphasising the need to continually engage people with intellectual disabilities.

Exploring the use of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities: experiences from Haryana, India

PURPOSE

Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries.

CONCLUSION

The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families.Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, andBuilding e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored.

The role of thriving in mental health among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Numerous pandemic-related stressors experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities may have impacted their ability to thrive, which has been linked to mental health outcomes. The current study examined the associations among COVID-19 stressors, thriving, and mental health problems among youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

METHOD

Caregivers of 159 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities between 12 and 35 years of age from Canada completed an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

A mediation analysis revealed that COVID-19 stressors were positively associated with mental health problems, and that thriving partially mediated this association.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that experiences of thriving may be an important target for mental health support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Long-term social restrictions and lack of work activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: impact on the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities

PURPOSE

Lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic may have had a disproportionate impact on the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Many of them had to deal with limited social contacts for an extended period. This study explores in depth how people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands experienced their daily lives, in particular due to lack of access to regular work activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight participants with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed in conducting and analysing interviews.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Analysis yielded three overarching themes that are conceptually linked. Participants experienced a prolonged lack of social connections that resulted in experiences of social isolation and feelings of loneliness. This led to different kinds of struggles: either internal struggles involving negative thoughts or depressive feelings, or a perceived threat to their autonomous position in society. Meanwhile participants had to sustain their sense of self-worth in the absence of work activities. The findings emphasise the importance of social opportunities through the access to work activities for people with intellectual disabilities. Interventions are suggested to help reverse the increased social inequalities and enhance rehabilitation via work activities for people with intellectual disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABLITATIONMore awareness may be raised among authorities, employers and the general public about the significant value people with intellectual disabilities attribute to meaningful social connections, in particular through work activities.Also, more awareness may be raised about the potential adverse effects of the loss of work activities and social connections on the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.Providing social support to others may help people with intellectual disabilities to construct social valued roles, either in or outside the work situation.Professionals and employers can support people with intellectual disabilities to find opportunities to provide social support to others.It is important to invest in sustainable and innovative post-pandemic community participation initiatives and particularly in accessible post-pandemic employment support, for example by organising paid in-company training placements.It is essential that professionals support people with intellectual disabilities to enhance their sources of resilience and coping strategies, that may have diminished as a result of the pandemic.

The long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers

BACKGROUND

People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) are at six times higher risk of death due to COVID-19. To mitigate harm, as a high-risk group, significant social changes were imposed on PWID in the UK. Alongside these changes, the uncertainty of the pandemic influence, caused PWID and their carers to encounter significant stress. The evidence of the pandemic's psycho-social impact on PWID originates mainly from cross-sectional surveys conducted with professionals and carers. There is little research on the longitudinal psycho-social impact of the pandemic from PWID themselves.

AIMS

To examine the long-term psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey, following STROBE guidance, of 17 Likert scale statements (12 to PWID and 5 to their carers) to ascertain the pandemic's psychosocial impact was conducted. Every other PWID open to a specialist Intellectual Disability service serving half a UK County (pop:500,000) was selected. The same survey was re-run with the same cohort a year later. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and unpaired-t tests were used to compare responses. Significance is taken at p < .05. Comments were analysed using Clarke and Braun's approach.

RESULTS

Of 250 PWID contacted, 100 (40%) responded in 2020 and 127 (51%) in 2021. 69% (2020) and 58% (2021) reported seeking medical support. Carers, (88%, 2020 and 90%, 2021) noticed emotional changes in PWID they cared for. 13% (2020) and 20% (2021) of PWID had their regular psychotropics increased. 21% (2020) and 24% (2021) had their pro re nata (PRN) medication adjusted. PWID or carers demonstrated no statistically significant variation in responses between themselves from 2020 to 2021. PWID were more likely to report being upset/distressed compared to their carers' perceptions of them in both years (p < .001). Four themes were identified.

CONCLUSION

This longitudinal study highlights the diverse psycho-social impact of the pandemic on PWID in the UK. The Pandemic's psycho-social impact has been significantly underestimated.

Mental Health of People with Intellectual Disabilities Living in Residential Care before, during, and after Lockdown

BACKGROUND

The impact of the COVID-19 on the well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (PID) has been little studied.

METHODS

We analyzed its impact with a cohort study quantitatively analyzing anxiety, depression, organic symptoms, quality of life, and support needs in 24 PID, aged 19-74 years (x¯ 40, σ = 13.09), living in a residential center, before, during, and after the pandemic.

RESULTS

Their mental health improved unexpectedly at the onset of the lockdown although there was an increase in organic symptoms. But, with the progress of the lockdown, their mental health deteriorated drastically. On the contrary, as expected, their quality of life and support needs worsened from the beginning of the lockdown until the country returned to normality, a time when there was a general recovery, without reaching pre-pandemic levels. These results show that the mental health of PID was affected differently to that of people without intellectual disabilities.

Care and rehabilitation institutions for people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: Polish experiences

People with intellectual disabilities benefit from many forms of institutional support, which include residential, rehabilitation, and educational services. Changes caused by the pandemic, especially the introduction of new rules relating to various aspects of life, raised several challenges and problems in the functioning of these institutions and for the people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research concerned facilities providing services for people with intellectual disabilities in Poland during the pandemic. The research goal was to determine what changes took place in the rehabilitation and care institutions during the pandemic in terms of their organization and the functioning of their clients and personnel. An online questionnaire was used. The respondents were institution employees. Data showed a number of preventive, educational, and supportive activities carried out by the institutions. Adverse changes in the psychosocial functioning of people with intellectual disabilities and other problems during the pandemic were reported.

Better Health, Better Lives? 10-Years on From the World Health Organization's Declaration on the Health of Children With Intellectual Disabilities

It is now 10 years since the European Declaration on the Health of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families: Better Health - Better Lives was adopted by the World Health Organization. Through discussions with key informants and an online literature review, we reflect on actions and progress made in line with this Declaration to improve the health and wellbeing of children with intellectual disabilities and their families. Despite finding positive examples of policy, legislation and practice in support of children with intellectual disabilities, there are clear gaps and areas for improvement. Countries must continue to take action, as supported by the World Health Organization and other such organisations, in order to support children with intellectual disabilities in realising their fundamental human rights.

Perceived Anxiety in Family Caregivers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome during the Lockdown of the First COVID-19 Wave in Spain

The lockdown during the first wave of COV- ID-19 in Spain has been related to higher levels of anxiety in the general population. However, the emotional impact on Spanish caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) has not been studied so far.

The relationship between fear of COVID-19 and depression, anxiety and stress in persons with disabilities: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and the depression, anxiety and stress in persons with disabilities.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected using an online survey from 178 persons with disabilities using the Personal Information Form, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S).

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 34.08 ± 11.8 years. The disability types that participants had were related to vision (47.2 %), hearing (25.8 %), mobility (24.7 %), cognitive (8.4 %), and chronic disease (10.1 %). It has been determined that 73.6 % of the participants stated that their access to healthcare services was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean DASS-21 was 10.24 ± 8.25 and the mean FCV-19S was 17.71 ± 5.05. A positive correlation was found between DASS-21 and FCV-19S.

CONCLUSION

The pandemic has created a need to provide appropriate interventions to improve the psychosocial health of persons with disabilities.

Community responses to LGBT+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 confinement in Madrid

A group of 50 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) as well as diverse sexualities and gender identities in Madrid participated in a feminist community-based project, which supported them through the first wave of the pandemic. Facilitated by professionals, the project offered online meetings twice a month, helping them to articulate their needs and promote their agency over their choices and experiences. Based on their demands, participants chose the topics they wanted to discuss, proposed activities, and were the center of the program, while facilitators set up and maintained the online space, helping with participation and access to information and resources. Through this transformative experience, the members of the group developed friendship networks and started their activism, making public appearances in video campaigns and mainstream newspapers to make their needs visible to peers, families, social workers, policy makers, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This research is part of a larger project that tackles the psychosocial factors that affected Spanish people with sexual and gender diversity during the first wave of the pandemic.

Self-advocates with Down syndrome research the lived experiences of COVID-19 lockdowns in Aotearoa New Zealand

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Down syndrome are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are recognised as significantly immunocompromised. Yet their voices regarding their lived experiences of pandemic lockdowns have not been sought or heard.

AIM

This study aims to describe the lived experiences of people with Down syndrome during the pandemic lockdowns in Aotearoa New Zealand to add evidence in order to inform systemic advocacy.

METHOD

A mixed-methods approach positioned within an inclusive research paradigm was used, in which a group of self-advocates with Down syndrome co-designed a structured interview schedule and conducted 40 face-to-face interviews. Key themes were identified by using content analysis.

RESULTS

Despite the difficulties associated with lockdowns and participants not receiving their usual supports and having to make significant adjustments, they remained positive, adapted well, and demonstrated a high level of resilience and adaptability.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings add to the limited research on the lived experiences of people with Down syndrome during pandemic lockdowns. This research has given them a voice to contribute to policy, government initiatives, and service providers; particularly on issues around support during lockdown and staying connected with others.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Cognitive Functions in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The main objective of the research was to compare the cognitive functioning of a sample of persons with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) before the pandemic (2019) and after the pandemic (2020 and 2021), and to analyse the impact according to age and level of IDD impairment. The participants were 92 persons with IDD, of whom 43 were female (46.7%). The mean age in 2019 was 47.07 years (SD = 6.78). All the participants were living with family members. The CAMCOG-DS test from CAMDEX was used to assess the cognitive functions. The results indicate a worsening in cognitive functions (attention-concentration, abstract thought, language, and praxis) after lockdown, in both the total group of participants and the mild-moderate impairment group, and in both age groups. In the severely affected group, we found an improvement in the cognitive functions assessed after lockdown. These results are similar to those found in people with dementia and in the general ageing population. Results were discussed in relation to the consequences of isolation in people with IDD, as well as providing guidelines for future pandemic situations.

The impact of lockdown on young people with genetic neurodevelopmental disabilities: a study with the international participatory database GenIDA

BACKGROUND

Previous publications suggested that lockdown is likely to impact daily living issues of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The authors notably suspected an intensification of behavioural, eating and sleep problems.

METHODS

To test these hypotheses, we conducted an international online survey about the impact of COVID-19-associated first lockdown on people with genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. This survey was carried out using GenIDA, an international participatory database collecting medical information on genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. Patients' relatives took part in this online survey from 30/04/2020 to 09/06/2020. This survey adapted from GenIDA standard questionnaire requested information on diagnosis, lifestyle and was based on yes/no answers to questions regarding behaviour, diet, and sleep, in the 6-months period before lockdown and during lockdown. We also asked relatives to evaluate the intensity of these problems by severity level. Finally, relatives could freely comment in open fields on the medical and/or quality of life problems they had encountered during lockdown.

RESULTS

In total 199 participants-144 children and 45 adults-with neurodevelopmental disorders (intellectual disability (79.4%) and/or autism spectrum disorder (21.6%)) of various genetic origins, with near-equal male/female (96/103) contribution and originating mainly from Europe and Northern America, were included. The average lockdown duration at time of the survey was 57 days. We did not find differences in the frequency of behavioural, eating and sleep problems before and during lockdown. Moreover, there was no apparent difference in the intensity of eating and sleep disorders between both periods. However, for persons with behavioural problems at both periods, relatives reported an increase in aggressivity, self-aggressivity, depressiveness, stereotypies, and restricted interests during lockdown, all of which might be interpreted as consequences of a lack of stimulation or a reaction to unexpected changes in daily habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support previous studies that suggest that the negative impact of lockdown does not depend on the intellectual disability per se but on the associated comorbidities such as behavioural disorders. This study addresses the need for prevention of behavioural disturbance in the vulnerable population with genetic neurodevelopmental disabilities.

'More together than apart': The evaluation of a virtual course to improve mental health and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

To address the growing concerns over poor mental health experienced by adults with intellectual disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a national virtual mental health course was delivered and evaluated.

METHODS

This mixed methods study utilized both qualitative and quantitative assessments. Participants were 27 adults with intellectual disabilities who participated in the 6-week course. Participants completed measures of self-efficacy and well-being at three time points and qualitative satisfaction measures at post and follow-up.

RESULTS

Attendance was high and the course was feasible and acceptable to participants. Positive changes related to mental health self-efficacy were detected (p = .01), though mental well-being did not improve.

CONCLUSION

The study provided evidence for the feasibility and value of the course for this population. Future research should examine how virtual courses could support the population in terms of pandemic recovery and how courses may work for individuals who are less independent.

Mitigating COVID-19 Risk and Vaccine Hesitancy Among Underserved African American and Latinx Individuals with Mental Illness Through Mental Health Therapist-Facilitated Discussions

Background

Underserved ethnic minorities with psychiatric disorders are at an increased risk of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of one-to-one counseling on COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination readiness among underserved African American and Latinx individuals with mental illnesses and adult caregivers of children with mental illness.

Methods

Through an academic-community partnered collaboration, a multidisciplinary and culturally sensitive training on COVID-19 was co-developed and delivered to 68 therapists from January to March 2021. Mental health clients and their caregivers were recruited to participate in pre- and post-intervention surveys to evaluate the impact of the intervention on their perceptions of COVID-19 public health guidelines, testing, and vaccination. Mental health therapists delivered four lessons of the COVID-19 educational intervention with 254 clients from March to June 2021, when vaccine availability was widely available. Of those clients, we collected 180 baseline and 115 follow-up surveys. The main outcome was the uptake in COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

There was a positive shift in participant vaccine acceptance and receptivity. Pre-intervention survey shows that only 56% of adult clients and 48% of caregivers had indicated a likelihood of getting the vaccine for themselves at baseline. Post-intervention documented that more than 57% of each group had been vaccinated, with another 11–15% of the unvaccinated individuals reporting that they were somewhat or very likely to get the vaccine.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that multidisciplinary academic-community and theoretical-based educational intervention delivered by mental health therapists is an effective strategy in increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and reducing the negative impact and disruption that COVID-19 caused in the daily life of mental health patients and caregivers.

Relationships of People with Intellectual Disabilities in Times of Pandemic: An Inclusive Study

(1) Background: Since 2012, our Inclusive Research Team has developed several studies on various topics that interest the co-researchers with intellectual disabilities. In 2021, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-researchers decided to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the relationships of people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this article is to disseminate how this inclusive study was developed and to explain its results; (2) Methods: Co-researchers and academic researchers met six times to make different decisions: decide on the research topic; discuss the topic; prepare an interview script for people with intellectual disabilities; analyse the data obtained; and decide how to disseminate the results of the research. The co-researchers interviewed 10 people with intellectual disabilities and participated as facilitators in 3 focus groups; (3) Results: During the pandemic, digital devices have enabled people with intellectual disabilities to maintain their social relationships. However, the lack of access or support in using them, as well as the restrictions imposed on people with intellectual disabilities living in institutions, have presented significant barriers to maintaining their social relationships; (4) Conclusions: This article shows the difficulties people with intellectual disabilities face in maintaining successful social relationships in times of pandemic, and how we undertook research in an inclusive, virtual manner.

'Now that I am connected this isn't social isolation, this is engaging with people': Staying connected during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic has put adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at greater risk of being socially excluded due to physical distancing. Technology has been looked at as a tool for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to stay connected, however, little is known about this topic. The purpose of this study was to explore how a grassroots disability organisation used technology to help adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities feel socially connected during the pandemic.

Methods

Data were collected through questionnaires, attendance records, and field notes; and analysed through trend and thematic analysis.

Findings

Four main themes emerged from the data: active leadership, mental wellbeing, technology/digital inclusion, and safety.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that when participants overcome technological barriers they found it easy to socially connect online during lockdown.

COVID-19 IDD: Findings from a global survey exploring family members’ and paid staff’s perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their caregivers

Background: A growing body of evidence attests to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the pandemic. This study asked caregivers about their perceptions of how COVID-19 impacted them and the people they support.

Method: An online survey was conducted in 12 countries during August-September 2020 and sought information on demographics, support practices, information and training, experiences of COVID-19, social distancing, and wellbeing, as measured by the DASS12. This study reports on 3,754 family members, direct support professionals, and managers who participated in the survey.

Results: Caregivers observed increases in depression/anxiety, stereotyped behaviours, aggression towards others and weight gain in the person(s) they supported. They also reported difficulties supporting the person(s) to access healthcare.  Families reported reducing or ceasing employment and absorbed additional costs when supporting their family member. Direct support professionals experienced changes in staff shifts, staff absences, increased workload and hiring of casual staff. Caregivers’ wellbeing revealed high levels of stress, depression, and less so anxiety. The strongest predictor of wellbeing among families was observation of changes in mood in the person(s) they supported, while for direct support professionals, the strongest predictors of wellbeing were reorganisation of staff shifts and increases in new direct support staff. 

Discussion: Findings support the contention of this population experiencing a disproportionate burden during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting historical inequities in access to healthcare and other human rights violations which are now protected under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The mental health and well-being of adults with intellectual disability during the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review

Prior to the start of the pandemic, adults with intellectual disability (ID) were more likely to experience mental health difficulties and face barriers obtaining mental health care. COVID-related public health restrictions, combined with heightened challenges to obtain timely mental health care, have served to worsen this situation internationally, with a combination of new onset conditions and worsening mental health for those already struggling. In this narrative review, we summarize literature on the mental health of adults with ID during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe what is known based on clinician perceptions, existing administrative health data, family and staff perceptions, and self-report. In addition to noting similarities and differences in findings based on the source of information, we also explored how experiences differed depending on where and when the research was conducted. Based primarily on research conducted during the first six months of the pandemic, there is a consistent finding across sources of increased anxiety, stress, and isolation. This review also explored the delivery of virtual mental health care and the impact of pandemic-based mental health interventions. There have been very few research studies evaluating clinical care during this time but clinicians have managed to provide supports virtually, which has been evaluated positively by some individuals. This narrative review concludes by identifying gaps in the literature and suggests key directions for future mental health research, policy, and practice efforts. Any mental health efforts now and during pandemic recovery need to have an understanding of how the mental health needs and services for adults with ID have evolved over the course of the pandemic. Further research is needed on the impact of both clinical interventions and other nonclinical efforts on the mental health of people with ID.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Individuals With Intellectual Disability: Special Olympics as an Example of Organizational Responses and Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide crisis. It has been, and is, an extreme challenge for our health care and prevention systems, and for society as a whole. Among many facets of life, physical activity and sport has been heavily impacted. The aim of this viewpoint article is to highlight the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with an intellectual disability, with a particular focus on physical activity and Special Olympics. Specific objectives are (a) to share what the literature reveals about the impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of individuals with an intellectual disability, (b) to examine what is known about the impact of the pandemic on physical activity of individuals with an intellectual disability, (c) to describe Special Olympics program responses during the pandemic, and (d) to recommend areas for future research.

The reported effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

People with an intellectual disability are a vulnerable group during COVID-19 due to multi-morbidity, frailty, underlying conditions/health problems, social circumstances and limitations in understanding. This place them at greater risk of more severe outcomes from COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To chart the evidence of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with intellectual disability and their carers reported in the research.

METHODS

A scoping review method was used to review literature published across eight databases in 2020 and included manual searches of reference lists of included articles.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were selected for inclusion. The findings highlight that professionals, people with intellectual disability and their carers were keen to comply with pandemic related public health guidance. However, implementing infection prevention and control measures in certain contexts for people with intellectual disability was challenging. Thereby a rights-based, person-centred approach to care is essential and professionals need to extend their understanding and practice of collaborative working to include people with intellectual disability and their family/carers. The findings highlight that compliance with public health guidance and infection control measures can be difficult for people with intellectual disability to implement.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited good quality robust research on COVID-19 and people with intellectual disability and/or their carers experiences.

Social support as a mediator of stress and life satisfaction for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

This study examined factors that predict stress level and life satisfaction among adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of social support.

METHOD

From a larger study about the experiences during the pandemic of 2028 individuals with and without disabilities, 181 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (or proxy) responded.

RESULTS

Most respondents with intellectual or developmental disabilities (92.8%) reported negative impacts from the pandemic, with 55.2% of the 96 employed pre-pandemic reporting impacted employment, including job loss. The negative impact of the pandemic was a significant predictor of stress level; social support was related to reduced stress. Stress level and the negative impact of the pandemic were inversely related to life satisfaction; social support was positively related to life satisfaction. Social support partially mediated the association between stress level and life satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

Comprehensive services and social support systems are needed to combat the impact of the pandemic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, wellbeing, and access to services of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be especially vulnerable to changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic given an increased likelihood of health concerns, low socioeconomic status, and difficulty accessing services.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to explore mental health problems and services in individuals with IDD during the pandemic. We explored whether number of mental health problems differed by disability, age, gender, living situation, physical health, and access to services.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

An online survey about experiences during the pandemic was administered to adults with IDD and their caregivers in the United States and in Chile.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

In both Chile and the United States, few people endorsed increased health problems. Half of the sample in Chile and 41 % of the sample in the United States endorsed increased mental health problems. Approximately 15 % of the sample in the US reported no longer receiving state developmental disability services.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare and disability-specific agencies should consider strategies to tailor supports to improve mental health functioning and access to community.

Children and Adolescents with Disabilities and Exposure to Disasters, Terrorism, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the empirical literature on exposures to disaster or terrorism and their impacts on the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families since the last published update in 2017. We also review the literature on studies examining the mental health and functioning of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS

Few studies have examined the effects of disaster or terrorism on children with disabilities. Research shows that children with disabilities and their families have higher levels of disaster exposure, lower levels of disaster preparedness, and less recovery support due to longstanding discriminatory practices. Similarly, many reports of the COVID-19 pandemic have documented its negative and disproportionate impacts on children with disabilities and their families. In the setting of climate change, environmental disasters are expected to increase in frequency and severity. Future studies identifying mitigating factors to disasters, including COVID-19; increasing preparedness on an individual, community, and global level; and evaluating post-disaster trauma-informed treatment practices are imperative to support the health and well-being of children with disabilities and their families.