Manasi Kumar, Zeinab Hijazi, Shekhar Saxena, Sanaa AlHarahsheh, Ahsan Nazeer, Samya Al-Abdulla, Iain Tulley, Roberto Bertollini

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a sense of fear and anxiety worldwide, which may have long-term psychosocial and mental health implications for children and adolescents. Evidence shows that children and adolescents have experienced significant disruption in their daily lives as well as anxiety, depression, and stress related to COVID-19. The pandemic may disproportionately affect children with pre-existing behavioral problems, such as autism, who rely on specialized care. Parents, teachers, policymakers, healthcare and national leaders should recognize that early intervention is crucial to maximize wellbeing.