Research finds greater prevalence of young teenagers with a disability

The study also recorded clear differences between young disabled people and their peers; Young people with a disability have more conflict with their parents, smaller friend groups, more difficulties interacting, less involvement in sports and more negative attitudes to school.

Young teenagers are more likely to have a disability now than a decade ago, new research examining the prevalence of disability in young people suggests.

Young people with a disability have fewer friends, feel less positive about school and are less involved in activities like sport, the study also found.

Between 2011 and 2022, the proportion of 13-year-olds who have a disability increased from 6% to 23%, according to the paper published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

There was also significant growth in the proportion of 13-year-olds reported to have a long-lasting condition, from 24% to 36%, as well as in those who received at least one diagnosed condition, from 16% to 31%.

The increase may be due to a greater awareness amongst parents, teachers and other professionals, and/or a greater prevalence of certain conditions in the population, according to the ESRI.

However, it notes that question wording changed over time, although input from teachers and principals also points to an increase.

Using data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, researchers compared the total number of 13-year-olds with a long-lasting condition or illness in 2011 and in 2022. They also examined the subset of young people who have a disability that hampers their day-to-day lives.

In 2011, boys were more likely to have a long-lasting condition or disability, the study found. However, by 2022, no gender differences were evident. According to the ESRI, evidence suggests this is due to an increase in emotional difficulties among girls.

Meanwhile, socio-emotional difficulties have increased over time among those with a disability. In addition, depression scores have increased over time for girls with a disability.

The study also recorded clear differences between young disabled people and their peers; Young people with a disability have more conflict with their parents, smaller friend groups, more difficulties interacting, less involvement in sports and more negative attitudes to school.

While there has been a growth in the prevalence of disability across all social groups, it is not possible to determine which types of conditions increased, the study notes. This is due to changes in classifications. 

The most reported difficulties among those with a disability now relate to physical impairment and difficulties learning, remembering or concentrating.

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Disability status does not vary "markedly" by parental education, the study notes, but those from professional, managerial or other non-manual groups are less likely to be identified as having a disability than other social classes.

Those from a lone-parent family, those living in rented accommodation, either social housing or the private rented sector, and those living in urban areas are more likely to have a disability than others, while those from migrant-origin families are less likely to have a long lasting condition or disability than their peers.

There has been a good deal of policy development in supporting children and young people with a disability, according to Emer Smyth, co-author of the report.

"However, the findings highlight the importance of a joined-up approach in promoting the full inclusion of young people with a disability."