Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown imposed by most of the governments because of it have affected most of us including children with complex care needs. Because of various reasons like changed routine and social isolation, the physical and psychological health of these children has affected. With this observational study, we tried to assess new symptoms with which children with complex care needs presented during the lockdown period. We selected a cohort of children who usually attended 'Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities' in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates where they received therapies but had to stay home and continue these therapeutic sessions through telemedicine.
Highlights
Current pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly caused social, economic and health consequences across the world
If any of the parents reported any new symptom, such symptoms were assessed by the respective specialists or the child was referred to the relevant physician or specialist for the formal assessment and management
Out of the total 164 children, 24 children were assessed for any new-onset symptoms. All these children had pre-existing intellectual disabilities. 11 children were diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder while 5 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy and 2 children had Fragile X syndrome
Summary
Current pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly caused social, economic and health consequences across the world. Factors like social isolation and economic effects have affected the mental and psychological health of many individuals. Children are one of the vulnerable groups to get affected. Children with neuro disabilities have faced additional challenges as a result of their functional limitation and changes to their daily routine [1]. There could be added negative impact on the skill development due to suspension of speech therapy or occupational therapy like sessions. It is not uncommon for these children to present with somatic symptoms like headache or abdominal pain
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