Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Trends Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic - Takeaways - MDSpire

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Trends Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • By

  • Sloane J. Freeman

  • Rosane Nisenbaum

  • Michael D. Sgro

  • April 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    The incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders is rising, posing a significant public health issue in the US and Canada.

  • 2

    Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 24% of publicly insured and 11% of privately insured children in the US were expected to receive a neurodevelopmental diagnosis by age 8.

  • 3

    The pandemic disrupted children's learning and healthcare access, leading to a shift towards virtual care and reduced in-person services.

  • 4

    Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and pandemic-related changes may be linked to neurodevelopmental delays.

  • 5

    The study aims to evaluate new neurodevelopmental diagnoses in Ontario children before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original Source(s)

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Trends Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • by Sloane J. Freeman, Rosane Nisenbaum, Michael D. Sgro

  • April 8, 2026

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