Association of COVID-19-Related Restrictions With Changes in Functional Skills of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities in Day Programs of an Israeli Non-Profit Organization

Abstract

Intellectual disability (ID) is assumed to be a dynamic phenomenon influenced by personal and environmental factors. During the 18 months of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, most day centers remained open for adults with ID who lived with their families (most of them with severe/profound [S/P] ID) but were closed to those who lived in group homes (with moderate and mild ID). Owing to the fewer participants in day centers, adults with S/P ID received more hours of therapy than before the pandemic. Using a functional screening tool, functional and environmental changes were mapped and discussed in team meetings. As expected, the pandemic caused environmental and personnel changes that affected all groups. The moderate ( n = 29) and mild ( n = 31) groups deteriorated over the 18 months of the study, especially the senior ones. However, the functional state of the S/P group ( n = 16) improved. These results support the understanding that ID is truly dynamic throughout the lifespan. Functional improvements for S/P ID can occur during adulthood with intense and individually adapted interventions.

Health Promotion Through Advanced Physical Activity Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“…It also has high psychometric values for quick detection of changes in the functioning of adult service recipients with IDD. This new scale was published in a series of articles [60][61][62] and can be found and used to enhance periodical evaluations of individuals with IDD who are under the reader's care.…”