Abstract / Description of output
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.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders |
Early online date | 20 Jul 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 20 Jul 2021 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- COVID-19
- caregivers
- coping
- challenging behaviours
- neurodevelopmental disabilities
- psychological distress