LAUSR

COVID pandemic forced a large number of countries around the world to restructure the social life and the people working activities, according to the newly established rules of individual and group protection Figure 1. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders act as the main barriers against virus spreading. They constitute, however, a substantial challenge in taking care and rehabilitation of children with neuro-development disorders, which are based in direct contact and affective resonance. Research already highlighted, in children living in pandemic affected areas, emotional and behavioral issues as a consequence of adult stress or discomfort and of contention measures [1]. It can be expected evenmore so in fragile children showing neuro-development disorders. Specifically, in language and learning disorders, for which the estimated incidence is 5– 10% of the population, the guidelines in taking charge of these pathologies suggest early detection and ongoing treatments to lower risk factors and comorbidity. In Italy, following government regulations on virus spread containment (March 9 DPCM “Io resto a casa”—“I’m staying home”), child neuropsychiatric services have been forced to suspend care activities. The management adapted to this event in very different ways: forced holidays, part-time work, smart working, wage compensation (fund); in Lombardy, one of the most struck regions, a decree promoted remote work and guaranteed telepractice reimbursement by the regional health system. The Italian Society of Infantile Neuropsychiatry (SINPIA) drafted a practical document about the service reorganization (www.sinpia.eu). The Management of Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Besta in Milan, one of the most struck town, agreed upon the request to secure continuous assistance to patients and to assure workers’ protection by abiding by the rules in force, started a project of telemedicine for outpatient activities, in accordance with experiences made in Italy by other neurologists as specified in the article by Caso and Federico [2], and allowed smart working procedures for professionals involved in children diagnosis and rehabilitation, with the only exception of doctors and nurses. Such services have been promptly reorganized, with the challenging quick design of a new way to provide services, and a number of coordination meetings were held.