13-year-olds are more likely to have a disability than a decade ago

October 21, 2024

Social Inclusion and Equality
Health and Quality of Life
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New research, published by the ESRI and produced in partnership with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), looks at changes in the prevalence and profile of disability among 13-year-olds between 2011/12 and 2021/22, using data from the Growing Up in Ireland study. The report looks at both the total number of 13-year-olds with a long-lasting condition or illness and the subset of young people who have a disability, that is, are hampered in their day-to-day lives by that condition. 

Prevalence of disability

  • There has been 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 proportion of 13-year-olds who have a disability (that is, are hampered by their condition) has increased from 6% to 23%. This increase may be partly related to changes in question wording over time but information from teachers and principals also points to an increase.
  • In 2011/12, boys were more likely to have a long-lasting condition or disability but by 2021/22 no gender differences in prevalence are evident. While it is difficult to explain this trend, the evidence suggests that it is due to an increase in emotional difficulties among girls.
  • There has been a growth in the prevalence of disability across all social groups.
  • Because of changes in classifications, it is not possible to determine which types of conditions have increased. The most commonly reported difficulties among those with a disability now relate to physical impairment and difficulties learning, remembering or concentrating.

Disability and adolescent 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.
  • Clear differences in adolescent outcomes are evident: young people with a disability 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 to their peers.

What explains these trends?

  • There are two possible explanations: an increased identification of conditions because of greater awareness among parents, teachers and other professionals; and/or a greater prevalence of certain conditions in the population.
  • The evidence suggests that there has been increased identification of long-lasting conditions that do not hamper young people’s day-to-day activities and this group of young people now resemble their peers in their social and educational experiences.
  • However, the findings indicate a growing gap in outcomes between young people with a disability and their peers, suggesting an increased prevalence of conditions that impact on their daily lives. 

Policy implications

The study findings have implications for a range of policy areas, including disability, health, education, family support and recreation. There is a need to target parenting supports towards families of children and teenagers with a disability, given the higher levels of parent–child conflict evident. Smaller peer groups and less positive attitudes to school indicate a need for a greater emphasis on school-based efforts to promote social integration and school engagement among young people with a disability. More inclusive practice in out-of-school provision, such as sport, is important in addressing attitudinal barriers to involving young people with a disability. 

Emer Smyth, co-author of the report said: ‘There has been a good deal of policy development in supporting children and young people with a disability. However, the findings highlight the importance of a joined-up approach in promoting the full inclusion of young people with a disability. At present, young people with a disability have fewer friends, are less positive about school and are less involved in activities like sport, so promoting a more inclusive climate in school and out-of-school provision is crucial.’

Dr Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said: ‘I welcome the launch of this report which highlights significant trends in the lives of young people in Ireland. The report findings will inform work across a range of policy areas. My Department’s vision is one of a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Ireland where no one is left behind or faces discrimination. This report highlights areas where further work and concentrated effort are required to ensure that all young people flourish in all areas of their lives.’