Open AccessAn Analysis of Families Experiences with Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) during COVID-19 Lockdown in Pakistan
Author(s) -
Malik Mamoon Munir,
Ume Rubaca,
Malik Haroon Munir,
Bakhtawar Munir
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
rimcis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.189
H-Index - 3
ISSN - 2014-3680
DOI - 10.17583/rimcis.2021.7546
Subject(s) - closure (psychology) , covid-19 , psychology , intellectual disability , pandemic , shadow (psychology) , mental health , child health , developmental psychology , medicine , psychiatry , pediatrics , political science , disease , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , law , psychotherapist
The shadow impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are critical, especially for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs). Financial constraints and home confinement have increased the challenges for caregivers to meet the educational and health needs of children with IDDs. Hence, this research examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on families with IDDs children in rural Pakistan. Overall, 176 parents participated in this study and provided valuable responses through interview technique. Parents responded to five (05) open-ended questions. Results indicated that parents of children with IDDs are facing various challenges including financial constraints, social lockdown, deteriorated health conditions of their children, reduced or no health services, closure of educational institutes, negative behavioral impacts, and slow mental development. Still, a subset of parents also reported the positive side of lockdown, indicating that staying at home resulted in improved relationships. The findings of the study suggest that parents of children with IDDs are confronted with significant challenges that increase their stress.