Paradigm Shift in the Educational System of Adolescents with Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction

In the last years, there has been a paradigm shift in the educational system of young people with disabilities. Regular schools associated with specific support plans have become the destination of choice for these adolescents, instead of schools with special education. This integrated teaching seeks to reduce stigma and to promote tolerance but frequently these students become easy targets of psychological and physical violence or discrimination.

Objective

To evaluate the integration of adolescents with disabilities in mainstream education compared to special teaching.

Methods

Analysis of 32 patients with disabilities from the adolescence consultation of the psychiatry service of hospital de Santa Maria, between January 2015 and September 2016.

Results

About 30% of the adolescents with disabilities who attend regular schools with special support complains of poor adjustment associated with some kind of mistreatment by peers.

Conclusion

Violence among students in school is a current problem very difficult to fight. Young people with disabilities often find themselves in a significant minority presenting less efficient defense mechanisms. If unprotected, they may easily develop school phobia or refusal. These situations must be identified and avoided to prevent the associated suffering.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.