Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine effective strategies for implementing a scalable, low-cost, saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 testing program to support the safe return to school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and school staff. School closures disproportionately affected these children, who relied on schools not only for education but also for essential services such as nutrition, therapy, healthcare, and social support. Risks were further heightened because many children with IDD had difficulty adhering to preventive measures such as masking, social distancing, or hand hygiene. This study addressed a critical need for accessible, rapid, and reliable SARS-CoV-2 testing tailored to the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Materials/Methods: This study sought to identify the most effective messaging and implementation strategies to maximize weekly SARS-CoV-2 testing in a school setting using saliva-based diagnostic methods. Over the course of the study, saliva-based diagnostic tests were administered to students and school staff. In addition, the study conducted a national survey assessing attitudes among parents and guardians of children with IDD, as well as school staff, to understand perceptions of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the perceived importance of diagnostic testing.

Outcome/Impact: This study improved the acceptance, adoption, and process of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing in school-based settings, facilitating the safe delivery of in-person educational services for children with IDD in underserved communities. Findings identified effective implementation strategies and communication approaches that increased participation in testing and improved trust among families and staff. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of saliva-based testing in a vulnerable population, the study established a scalable model for future COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including vaccination and other infectious disease control measures in educational settings.