Children with Disabilities and the Effects of COVID-19

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES  Most children with disabilities in the US have normal daily schedules during the week, including taking a bus or van to school, where their educational, physical, medical, needs are attended to, then attending various therapy appointments before returning home. Now, school and one – on –one therapies must be done remotely. Many children are not able to receive these therapies during this crisis.  Parents, many of whom have part-time or full-time jobs now must provide these services the best they can with guidance from the teachers and therapists.  Many are asked to use online screen instruction or counseling, but for many, these modalities are not accessible. ADDITIONAL CONCERNS: There are widespread concerns about the effect of social isolation that may lead to increased anxiety, depression, or exacerbation of pre-existing mental health issues Exposure to pre-existing difficulties such as mental health issues of others in the home, and violence or neglect of the child with a disabilities, in the absence of social and supportive services.