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The experiences of mothers of children and young people with intellectual disabilities during the first COVID‐19 lockdown period
Author(s) -
Rogers Gemma,
PerezOlivas Gisela,
Stenfert Kroese Biza,
Patel Varsha,
Murphy Glynis,
Rose John,
Cooper Vivien,
Langdon Peter E.,
Hiles Steve,
Clifford Clair,
Willner Paul
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12884
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , covid-19 , thematic analysis , psychology , coping (psychology) , developmental psychology , period (music) , pandemic , clinical psychology , psychiatry , medicine , qualitative research , sociology , social science , physics , disease , pathology , acoustics , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background Recent COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions resulted in reduced access to educational, professional and social support systems for children with intellectual disabilities and their carers. Aim 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. Methods Eight mothers of children with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. The recordings of these interviews were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results Three main themes were identified: carrying the burden; a time of stress; and embracing change and looking to the future. Conclusions 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.