Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Trends Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
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By
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Sloane J. Freeman
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Rosane Nisenbaum
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Michael D. Sgro
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April 8, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Trends Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Neurodevelopmental disorders |
| Key Mechanisms | Impairments in cognitive, behavioral, social, and academic functioning. |
| Target Population | Children aged 6 years or younger in Ontario, Canada. |
| Care Setting | Pediatric developmental and mental health care, primarily virtual during the pandemic. |
Key Highlights
- 24% of publicly insured and 11% of privately insured children in the US expected to receive a neurodevelopmental diagnosis by age 8.
- More than 9% of Canadian children aged 4-11 have a neurodisability.
- Pandemic-related changes affected access to health care and developmental assessments.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- New neurodevelopmental diagnosis defined by 2 diagnostic billing codes at least 30 days apart.
Management
- Utilization of virtual care billing codes during the pandemic.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monthly rate of new diagnoses per 1000 child-months.
Risks
- Prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with neurodevelopmental delays.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children aged 6 years or younger with no prior neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
Shift to virtual care impacted the delivery of developmental assessments.
Clinical Best Practices
- Monitor socio-demographic factors such as neighborhood income and rurality in relation to neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
- Implement regular follow-ups for children eligible for neurodevelopmental assessments.
References
