Children’s special learning needs linked to disadvantage

Children identified with behavioural, emotional, or social difficulties are significantly more likely to come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background than children without special learning needs, a new study has found.

They also frequently live in families suffering financial stress and compositional changes, while also having poor educational, social, and emotional outcomes.

The study by the Educational Research Centre found that a majority of children with special learning needs were not in receipt of educational or psychological supports.