Increase in disability among 13-year-olds in past decade – ESRI

The proportion of 13-year-olds who have a disability has increased by 17% in the decade up to 2022, according to research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Using data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, the ESRI looked at changes in the prevalence and profile of disability among 13-year-olds between 2011 and 2022.

It found that the proportion of that age group hampered by their condition grew from 6% to 23% in that time.

While the increase may be partly related to changes in question wording over time, according to the report authors, teachers and principals also point to an increase.

The research found “a significant growth” in the proportion of 13-year-olds with a long-lasting condition (24% to 36%) and in those who received at least one diagnosis of a condition (16% to 31%).

In 2011/12, boys were more likely to have a long-lasting condition or disability, but by 2021/22 no gender differences in prevalence were evident.

The ESRI said that the upward trend was difficult to explain, however, it noted an increase in emotional difficulties among girls.

Over time, depression scores increased for girls with disabilities, according to the report.

The most commonly reported difficulties “now relate to physical impairment and difficulties learning, remembering or concentrating”, however, changes in classifications has meant that “it is not possible to determine which types of conditions have increased”.

It found clear differences in adolescent outcomes.

Young disabled people had more conflictual relationships with their parents, smaller peer networks, greater difficulties interacting with peers, less involvement in organised sports and more negative attitudes to school compared to their peers.

In an effort to explain the trend, the ESRI suggested the greater awareness among parents, teachers and other professionals; and/or a greater prevalence of certain conditions in the population.

It also pointed to an increased identification of long-lasting conditions that do not hamper the day-to-day activities of younger people.

“The findings indicate a growing gap in outcomes between young people with a disability and their peers, suggesting an increased prevalence of conditions that impact on their daily lives,” it said.

There are implications for a range of policy areas as a result of the study, according to the ESRI.

It has suggested a greater need to target parenting supports towards families of children and teenagers with a disability, given the higher levels of parent/child conflict evident.

Smaller peer groups and less positive attitudes to school indicate a need for a greater emphasis on school-based efforts to promote social integration and school engagement among young people with a disability.

It has also highlighted the importance of “inclusive practice” in out-of-school provision, such as sport, in addressing attitudinal barriers to involving young people with a disability.

Co-author Emer Smyth has said that while there had been a good deal of policy development in supporting children and young people with a disability, the findings highlight the importance of “a joined-up approach in promoting the full inclusion of young people with a disability”.

“At present, young people with a disability have fewer friends, are less positive about school and are less involved in activities like sport, so promoting a more inclusive climate in school and out-of-school provision is crucial,” she said.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth – whose department funds the Growing Up in Ireland survey – said the findings would inform work across a range of policy areas.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman said his department’s vision was one of “a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Ireland where no one is left behind or faces discrimination”, and he said the report highlighted areas where “further work and concentrated effort are required to ensure that all young people flourish in all areas of their lives”.

Taken from the Original Article on

https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1022/1476706-disability-esri/

By Ailbhe Conneely

Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent