“They fell through the cracks:” caregiver perspectives on the difficulties of COVID-19 implementation transitions for children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN)

CYSHCN needs were neglected in the pandemic's transition moments, creating significant implications for their mental/emotional, physical, and cognitive/developmental well-being. Reflecting these findings, and particularly facets that extend established literature, we urge inclusive research and policy models, empowering members of the CYSHCN community as leaders in knowledge and protocol production, particularly when considering the adaptability and relative advantage of interventions. Such models are crucial in developing messaging around pandemic policies, creating infrastructural support for flexibility, and adding supports and delays when de-implementing mandates.