Psychologists’ experiences and perspectives of adults with long-Covid and neurodiversity, including intellectual disabilities

Abstract

While there is an increasing number of studies aimed at better understanding long-Covid, there is a lack of research involving people with intellectual disabilities (ID). We asked 12 psychologists working in long-Covid services, their views of the condition in adults with neurodiversity. While it was relatively common for psychologists to work with people with neurodiversity and long-Covid, eight had never worked with someone with ID in their service. Psychologists identified factors that may be predispose, precipitate, and perpetuate the condition in this group. Data reflects the importance of considering the intersection between ID and long-Covid. Guidelines recommend the adaptations of long-Covid treatments for people with ID; we provide examples of how this could be achieved.Easy to read summary■The symptoms that people can experience after recovering from the Covid-19 virus has been called long-Covid or post-Covid syndrome.■While we are learning more about long-Covid, there is little research that includes people with neurodiversity.■Psychologists in services for people with long-Covid do not see people with intellectual disability often.■Our findings can help guide research being conducted in this area, and clinicians who are likely to encounter someone with long-Covid and neurodiversity.