Detailed Record


Remote Delivery of Allied and Behavioral Healthcare During COVID-19 for Children With Developmental Disabilities


Abstract ObjectiveMany children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) transitioned to telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objectives were to describe reductions in allied and behavioral healthcare services and receipt of caregiver training to deliver services at home due to COVID-19 for children with ASD and other DD, and factors associated with worse response to remote delivery of services for children with ASD.MethodPrior to the pandemic, children aged 2–5 years were enrolled in a multi-site case-control study and completed a developmental assessment. Caregivers completed questionnaires on child behavior problems and ASD symptoms. Children were classified as ASD vs. another DD based on standardized diagnostic measures. Subsequently, caregivers completed a survey during January–June 2021 to assess how COVID-19 impacted children and families.ResultsCaregivers reported that most children with ASD and other DD had a decrease in service hours (50.0%–76.9% by service type) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with ASD were significantly more likely to experience reduced speech/language therapy than children with other DD. Receipt of caregiver training to deliver services at home ranged from 38.1%-57.4% by service type. Among children with ASD, pre-pandemic problems with internalizing behaviors and social communication/interaction were associated with worse response to behavioral telehealth but no other common therapies.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the caregiver-reported impacts of COVID-19 on remote delivery of allied and behavioral healthcare services for children with ASD and other DD. Considerations for caregiver support and remote delivery of services are provided.
Authors Lisa D. Wiggins ORCID , Lin H. Tian ORCID , Sarah C. Tinker ORCID , Marshalyn Yeargin‐Allsopp ORCID , Carolyn DiGuiseppi ORCID , Cy B. Nadler ORCID , Patrick S. Powell ORCID , Eric J. Moody University of WyomingORCID , Maureen S. Durkin ORCID , M. Daniele Fallin ORCID , A. Blythe Ryerson ORCID , JoAnn M. Thierry ORCID , Britney Robinson , Karen Pazol ORCID
Journal Info Elsevier BV | JAACAP Open
Publication Date 10/1/2023
ISSN 2949-7329
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access hybrid Hybrid Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2023.08.007
KeywordsKeyword Image Child Development (Score: 0.528715)