The Effectiveness of a Recreational Program in Decreasing the Level of Anxiety at COVID-19 and Improving the Social Interaction of Children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has affected different life aspects; its greatest impact was perceived on the weakest social categories, including people with intellectual disabilities, as precautionary measures have imposed more restrictions upon them. This study, thus, aims at decreasing the anxiety level at COVID-19 as well as improving the social interaction of children with mild intellectual disabilities. The sample of the study consists of 10 intermediate children with intellectual disabilities, enrolled in the 1st to the 3rd intermediate stages in intellectual disability programs in Riyadh, ranging from 12 to 15 years old, with an age average of 13.8. The study relied on the quasi-experimental method where the recreational program is the independent variable whereas anxiety and social interaction skills are the dependent ones. As such, the study depends on several tools that are prepared by the researcher, the COVID-19 anxiety scale, the social interaction scale of children with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 period, and the recreational program. The findings of the study disclosed the effectiveness of the program in decreasing the anxiety level and improving the social interaction level of children with intellectual disabilities. The study recommends carrying out more research about using recreational programs in decreasing some issues from which children with intellectual disabilities suffer due to COVID-19 as well as stressing the importance of practicing recreational and entertaining activities for children with mental disabilities in and outdoors, while following the precautionary measures, or virtually if this is not possible.