The Effectiveness of a Recreational Program in Decreasing the Level of Anxiety at COVID-19 and Improving the Social Interaction of Children with Intellectual Disability

Authors

    Mahmoud Mohamed Eltantawy

Published:

2023-01-19

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2022.37.51

How to Cite

Eltantawy, M. M. (2023). The Effectiveness of a Recreational Program in Decreasing the Level of Anxiety at COVID-19 and Improving the Social Interaction of Children with Intellectual Disability. International Journal of Special Education, 37(2), 180–191. https://doi.org/10.52291/ijse.2022.37.51

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has affected different life aspects; its greatest impact was perceived on the weakest social categories, including intellectually disabled people, as precautionary measures have imposed more restrictions upon them. This study, thus, aims at decreasing the anxiety level at COVID-19 as well as improving mild intellectually disabled children’s social interaction. The sample of the study consists of 10 intermediate intellectually disabled children, enrolled in the 1st to the 3rd intermediate stages in intellectual disability programs in Riyadh, ranging from (12 to 15) years old, with an age-average (13.8). The study relied on the quasi- experimental method where the recreational program is the independent variable whereas anxiety and social interaction skills are the dependent ones.  As such, the study depends on a number of tools that are prepared by the researcher, COVID-19 anxiety scale, social interaction scale of intellectually disabled children during COVID-19 period, and the recreational program. The findings of the study disclosed the effectiveness of the program in decreasing the anxiety level and improving the social interaction level of intellectually disabled children. The study recommends carrying out more research about using recreational programs in decreasing some issues from which intellectually disabled children suffer due to COVID-19 as well as stressing the importance of practicing recreational and entertaining activities for mentally disabled children in and outdoor, while following the precautionary measures, or virtually if this is not possible.

Keywords:

Covid-19, Children, Social Interaction, Intellectual Disability, Recreational Activities, anxiety, program

Issue

IJSE Vol 37, No: 2, 2022

Volume 37, Number: 2, Year 2022 of International Journal of Special Education