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More teens now have disability than a decade ago

ESRI research on disability profiles in teens shows a significant growth in the proportion of 13-year-olds reported to have a long-lasting condition (24% to 36%) and in those who have received at least one diagnosis of a condition (16% to 31%).

The report, using data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, shows that the proportion of 13-year-olds who have a disability (that is, are hampered by their condition) has increased from 6% to 23%.

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.

While it is difficult to explain this trend, the evidence suggests that it is due to an increase in emotional difficulties among girls, the ESRI has said.

There has been a growth in the prevalence of disability across all social groups.

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

Outcomes

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.

Young people with a disability also have 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 with their peers.

The ESRI said that there might be an increased identification of conditions because of greater awareness among parents, teachers, and other professionals. However, there may also be a greater prevalence of certain conditions in the population.