Children with Disabilities Face Psychological Challenges

Children with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses are more likely to suffer psychological problems than otherwise healthy children, according to a new study published in the latest issue of the journal Pediatrics (2003;157:687-695).

Researchers in Chicago studied data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Surveys Disability Supplement to determine how disabled children and their families are psychologically and socially different from other children.

Results of the study show children with disabilities are more likely to be in poor health and have physical and functional limitations. In fact, more than 20 percent of children with disabilities showed more than one functional limitation. The most common social problem reported by disabled children and their families was difficulties with peers. Many of these children also said they encountered hostility outside of the home.

Researchers say their study shows learning impairments and family stresses are the strongest risk factors for psychological problems in children with disabilities. Authors of the study write, "These data indicate a need for routine screening for mental health problems among children with disabilities, as well as a family-oriented approach to their medical care."