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The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, raising concerns about its potential impact on child development. However, a recent study led by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center offers reassuring findings, suggesting only modest delays in developmental milestones among infants and children up to 5 years old during the pandemic.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study analyzed data from over 50,000 children using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3), a tool that assesses developmental milestones across various skill domains. Lead author Sara Johnson, Ph.D., M.P.H., emphasized that while there were slight decreases in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills, there were no changes in fine or gross motor skills.
“This study provides important reassurance that the impact of the pandemic on child development, while present, is not as severe as feared,” says Johnson, who also directs the Rales Center for the Integration of Health and Education at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
The research team compared developmental milestone scores before and during the pandemic from 2018 to 2022. They found modest decreases in certain skill domains, particularly in communication and problem-solving, among children of all ages, including infants.
“We anticipated that infants might be less affected, given increased caregiver presence at home. However, our findings suggest otherwise,” Johnson notes.
Despite concerns about increased parental stress and worry during the pandemic, the study found only slight increases in caregiver-reported worries about their child’s development.
While the findings are reassuring, researchers underscore the need for continued monitoring of children’s development to understand any potential long-term implications. Johnson emphasizes the importance of bolstering clinical infrastructure, particularly developmental-behavioral pediatricians, to address children’s developmental needs effectively.
The study did not consider certain variables such as prenatal substance abuse or preterm birth, which may influence developmental outcomes. Additionally, the absence of a comparison group not exposed to pandemic restrictions and potential selection bias among healthcare providers using CHADIS are limitations of the study.
Looking ahead, Johnson and her team stress the importance of preparedness for future public health crises and the need for ongoing research to inform strategies for supporting children’s development in times of crisis.
The study’s findings offer a glimmer of hope amidst pandemic-related challenges, highlighting the resilience of young children and the importance of continued support for their well-being.
