People with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) often lack suitable educational opportunities and leisure activities. We conducted a survey to find out what impact Covid-19 has had on school attendance and leisure activities for children and young people with DMD.
40 out of 60 people responded to our questionnaire. Half of these people were dependent on school support. For a third of them, this support was stopped by the Covid-19 pandemic. 30% of respondents took part in sporting activities and 22% in other leisure activities (e.g. scouts or music group). For over 60%, participation in these activities was interrupted by the pandemic.
The survey showed that the Covid-19 pandemic had a direct impact on the education and participation in social life of young people with DMD. It is very important that children and young people with DMD and their families are actively supported not to lose their usual care at school and their leisure activities.
Link to the article: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Education and Social Participation in Children and Adolescents with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Switzerland