Retrospective Analysis of Appalachian Children with Disabilities during COVID-19: Learning from Crisis

Abstract

Children in rural Appalachia have higher rates of disability, which makes them more vulnerable when crises occur. Using a retrospective review of Appalachian caregiver reports, the study provides a descriptive analysis of how youth with different types of disabilities fared when compared to their nondisabled peers across multiple domains of functioning. Results suggest that youth who had disabilities exhibited more difficulties, although important exceptions exist. Youth with physical disabilities did not demonstrate significantly elevated rates of aggression, hyperarousal, etc., in comparison to non-disabled peers. These findings have significant implications for school-based crisis teams and mental health providers in rural Appalachia—particularly school psychologists—who can play a key role in guiding policymakers and school staff in recognizing risk factors for traumatic stress and implementing appropriate crisis intervention strategies during future emergencies.