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

Kassee, Caroline; Jachyra, Patrick; Mahalingam, Vijitha; Tint, Ami; Lin, Hsiang‐Yuan; Ameis, Stephanie H.; Di Martino, Adriana; Lunsky, Yona; Lai, Meng‐Chuan

Abstract

Purpose: Understanding the experiences of people with developmental disabilities during the initial period of COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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.

Citation

Kassee, C., Jachyra, P., Mahalingam, V., Tint, A., Lin, H., Ameis, S., Di Martino, A., Lunsky, Y., & Lai, M. (2024). Negative and Positive Experiences During the COVID ‐19 Pandemic in Canadians With Developmental Disabilities: A One‐Year Ontario‐Based Survey. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 37(6), Article e13300. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.13300

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 11, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 12, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 12, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• Print ISSN: 1360-2322
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-3148
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: e13300
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.13300
• Keywords: adults, physical health, mental health, developmental disabilities, autism, pandemic
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2861831