Abstract Details

Title Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavioral Health of People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Topic Child Neurology and Developmental Neurology

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-001

Objective To examine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the behavioral health of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in the US.

Background The general population has suffered increasing rates of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having an intellectual disability was the most significant independent risk factor for a diagnosis of COVID-19, and the second strongest independent risk factor to COVID-19 mortality. This study investigates how the pandemic uniquely impacted the behavioral health of people with IDD.

Design/Methods Data were collected using a modified version of the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey - Adapted for Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental conditions (CRISIS-AFAR). The survey was disseminated electronically to a non-probability (i.e., convenience) sample of community and advocacy groups through the authors’ networks of IDD-affiliated organizations. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools from March to June 2021.

Results 437 individuals with IDD completed the survey. 52.2% listed having an intellectual disability and 48.7% listed autism spectrum disorder, among other diagnoses. 51.6% of the survey population reported that their mental health had worsened during the pandemic. 47.6% said that they were worrying more, 55.6% struggled with changes in routine, and 18.7% reported increased self-injurious behavior. Losing access to services and programs correlated with declining mental health. Loss of or decrease in community support also correlated with increased screen time, worse sleep, and needing more help with activities of daily living.

Conclusions The behavioral health of individuals with IDD was profoundly impacted by the changes caused by COVID-19. Despite pervasive needs for increased mental and physical health resources amongst individuals with IDD, the potential positive impact of physical activity and pandemic safe social supports and opportunities should be regarded as an important and accessible means to mitigate the overall gap in services.

Authors/Disclosures
Jessica Sanders, MD (University of Colorado) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Sanders has received research support from Child Neurology Foundation. The institution of Dr. Sanders has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Sanders has received research support from HRSA.
	No disclosure on file
Rajapillai Pillai, MD, PhD	Dr. Pillai has nothing to disclose.
Miya Asato, MD, FAAN (Kennedy Krieger Institute)	Dr. Asato has nothing to disclose.
Stefan Sillau	Stefan Sillau has nothing to disclose.
Bhooma R. Aravamuthan, MD, DPhil, FCNS, FAAN (Washington University in St. Louis)	The institution of Dr. Aravamuthan has received research support from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The institution of Dr. Aravamuthan has received research support from Child Neurology Foundation. The institution of Dr. Aravamuthan has received research support from American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The institution of Dr. Aravamuthan has received research support from Centers for Disease Control. Dr. Aravamuthan has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Mackenzie Cervenka, MD (Johns Hopkins Hospital)	Dr. Cervenka has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Nutricia. Dr. Cervenka has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Nestle Health Science/Vitaflo. The institution of Dr. Cervenka has received research support from Nestle Health Science/Vitaflo. Dr. Cervenka has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Nancy Hammond, MD, FAAN (University of Kansas Medical Center)	Dr. Hammond has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Healthline.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Benjamin A. Margolis, MD	Dr. Margolis has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of ACCESS SUPPORTS FOR LIVING. Dr. Margolis has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of AMN Healthcare. Dr. Margolis has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Intellectuability. Dr. Margolis has a non-compensated relationship as a TREASURER with AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Margolis has a non-compensated relationship as a Co-Chair, Behavioral Health Task Group with American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.

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