Mental Health Challenges of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders During Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2019, by the World Health Organization. The COVID-19 pandemic has made very rapid and profound changes in our daily lives and society (1). This pandemic will have irreversible effects on children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of disorders that begin in the period of development. These disorders’ symptoms usually appear early in a child’s development and often before entering school, leading to impairments in personal, academic, occupational, and social functioning. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies the following disorders as neurodevelopmental disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities (ID), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), motor disorders, Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), communication disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disorders (2).To prevent the spread of the COVID-19, many governments have enacted restrictive laws and regulations, and one of the main actions of parents and children is to stay at home. In these situations, it is very difficult for families and caregivers to care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders who have special needs. The spread of this virus can lead to severe psychological distress in people who have previous mental health problems (3,4). Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are at risk due to increased vulnerability to complex and unpredictable changes. This disease increases stress and anxiety in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. The daily routine of children with neurodevelopmental disorders is affected by the frequent observance of health tips and advice, as well as social isolation and distancing, and causes them discomfort (5).