Negative and Positive Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canadians With Developmental Disabilities: A One-Year Ontario-Based Survey.

Publication date: Nov 01, 2024

Understanding the experiences of people with developmental disabilities during the initial period of COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers completed baseline and up to five follow-up online surveys using the CRISIS-AFAR measures, between July 2020 and September 2021. We used qualitative (thematic analysis) and quantitative (MANOVA) analytic methods. One hundred and eighteen participants (64 caregivers on individuals 6-62 years, 54 self-reporting individuals aged 17-55 years) completed baseline survey; 46 participants (23 caregivers, 23 self-reporting adults) completed ≥1 follow-up. Qualitative themes included uncertainty, and negative and positive influences on behaviours and routines, daily life and mental wellness. Those experiencing positive impacts did not stably perceive so longitudinally. Despite both negative and positive influences on individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, the prolonged pandemic had wide-ranging repercussions. Emergency preparedness planning should consider the disruptive effects of public health measures on routine and support for this vulnerable population.

Concepts Keywords
62years Adolescent
Canadians Adult
Caregivers adults
July autism
Pandemic Caregivers
Child
COVID-19
Developmental Disabilities
developmental disabilities
Female
Humans
Male
mental health
Middle Aged
North American People
Ontario
pandemic
physical health
Qualitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH COVID-19 Pandemic
disease MESH Developmental Disabilities
disease MESH uncertainty
disease MESH Emergency
disease MESH autism

Original Article

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