An Analysis of Families Experiences with Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) during COVID-19 Lockdown in Pakistan

Authors

  • Dr Malik Mamoon Munir Bahria University Islamabad
  • Ume Rubaca Comsats University Islamabad
  • Malik Haroon Munir Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University (ANU)
  • Bakhtawar Munir Comsats University Islamabad

https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.2021.7546

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Abstract

The shadow impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are critical, especially for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs). Financial constraints and home confinement have increased the challenges for caregivers to meet the educational and health needs of children with IDDs. Hence, this research examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on families with IDDs children in rural Pakistan. Overall, 176 parents participated in this study and provided valuable responses through interview technique. Parents responded to five (05) open-ended questions. Results indicated that parents of children with IDDs are facing various challenges including financial constraints, social lockdown, deteriorated health conditions of their children, reduced or no health services, closure of educational institutes, negative behavioral impacts, and slow mental development. Still, a subset of parents also reported the positive side of lockdown, indicating that staying at home resulted in improved relationships. The findings of the study suggest that parents of children with IDDs are confronted with significant challenges that increase their stress.

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Author Biographies

Dr Malik Mamoon Munir, Bahria University Islamabad

Assistant Professor, Departmemt of Management Sciences

Ume Rubaca, Comsats University Islamabad

PhD Scholar Department of Management Sciences

Malik Haroon Munir, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University (ANU)

Master of Public Policy 

Bakhtawar Munir, Comsats University Islamabad

Research Associate Department of Humanities

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Published

2021-03-30

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Munir, D. M. M., Rubaca, U., Munir, M. H., & Munir, B. (2021). An Analysis of Families Experiences with Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) during COVID-19 Lockdown in Pakistan. International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 10(1), 81–103. https://doi.org/10.17583/rimcis.2021.7546

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