The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, wellbeing, and access to services of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Background: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) may be especially vulnerable to changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic given an increased likelihood of health concerns, low socioeconomic status, and difficulty accessing services.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore mental health problems and services in individuals with IDD during the pandemic. We explored whether number of mental health problems differed by disability, age, gender, living situation, physical health, and access to services.

Methods and procedures: An online survey about experiences during the pandemic was administered to adults with IDD and their caregivers in the United States and in Chile.

Outcomes and results: In both Chile and the United States, few people endorsed increased health problems. Half of the sample in Chile and 41 % of the sample in the United States endorsed increased mental health problems. Approximately 15 % of the sample in the US reported no longer receiving state developmental disability services.

Conclusions and implications: Healthcare and disability-specific agencies should consider strategies to tailor supports to improve mental health functioning and access to community.

Keywords: COVID-19; Healthcare; Intellectual and developmental disabilities; Mental health; Physical health.