The impact of Covid-19 on children and young people with aquired brain injuries: A mixed method study

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in dramatic changes to social interaction and service access. The effect of this on the mental health of children and young people with acquired brain injuries (ABI) remains relatively unexplored. Nineteen parents of children and young people with ABIs (one parent of each child, representing 19 children) completed questionnaires on service access and the mental health of their children. Three parent-child dyads (n=6 participants) also completed semi-structured interviews. Results revealed children and young people with ABI experienced greater peer problems and emotional problems than those without an ABI during Covid-19. Interviews found that parents felt unsupported with their children’s education and they experienced isolation. This study shows the mental health risk of social isolation for this population but also explores what positives can be learned from the Covid-19 pandemic such as, the benefits of a less demanding learning environment and online/in-person hybrid service delivery.