Special needs children more negative about themselves, research shows

Children with special educational needs are significantly more negative about themselves than their peers, according to new research.

The study was carried out by the ESRI into child wellbeing and school experiences among 9- to 13-year-olds.

It also finds children from immigrant families report poorer behaviour than those from Irish families, while children who do not get on with their teacher are found to have more of a negative self-image.

Research Professor at the ESRI Dr Emer Smyth said another finding was that the recession had an impact on children across all abilities.

"This group were interesting, because they were surveyed just before the recession, and followed up afterwards," she said.

"Those children who have had a negative impact from the recession … their behaviour becomes worse. So we're seeing the direct impact of the material circumstances on their socio-emotional wellbeing."