Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic challenges for families with children impacted by Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Citizen Advocacy Ottawa (CAO) is a non-profit organization supporting families with children impacted by Neurodevelopmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to families already strained by the complexity of caregiving for these children. Many issues have been identified such as caregiver burnout, social isolation, mental health issues of all family members, and even increased violence in the home. CAO programs have modified service delivery to now offer virtual support to their clients (i.e., virtual support groups, family support and training). Caregivers’ needs will be assessed through an online survey and qualitative interviews will be conducted; impact of virtual training will be assessed through pre and post training evaluation. The organization will benefit from this study in having a better understanding of their clients’ needs and ways to adapt their service during this pandemic.

Faculty Supervisor:

James Reynolds

Student:

Maude Champagne

Partner:

Citizen Advocacy Ottawa

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Health care and social assistance

University:

Queen's University