TY - JOUR
AU - Gillespie-Smith, Karri
AU - McConachie, Doug
AU - Ballantyne, Carrie
AU - Auyeung, Bonnie
AU - Goodall, Karen
PY - 2021
DA - July
TI - The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on psychological distress in family caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disability in the UK
JO - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05132-3
AB - Caregivers of a child with a neurodevelopmental disability are more vulnerable to mental health difficulties. These difficulties are influenced by the child’s challenging behaviours, and the caregiver’s coping strategies; factors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An online mixed methods survey was conducted on caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (n = 43) and children who are typically developing (n = 67). The results showed that presence of challenging behaviours related to neurodevelopmental disability, and caregiver coping strategies predicted caregiver psychological distress during lockdown. Themes that emerged included ‘confusing messages and guidance’, ‘loss of freedom’ and ‘unsupported and forgotten’. The results demonstrate the pressing need for the implementation of appropriate support to protect the mental health of caregivers across the UK.
PB - Springer Nature
UR - https://research-portal.uws.ac.uk/en/publications/c7cca15b-8809-43d9-b1e9-c4eec583c56f
KW - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
KW - Mental health and wellbeing
KW - Social and community care
KW - Children, young people and families
ER