Critical Issues in the Emotional Wellbeing of Students with Special Educational Needs in the 21st Century.

Abstract

Mental health difficulties in students with special educational needs (SEN) present a significant barrier to their learning. These difficulties often go unrecognised for prolonged periods of time. Recent prevalence studies suggest an alarmingly high rate of mental health difficulties in this population. Depending on the complexity of their needs, average figures range from between 40% to 60%, with the presence of the intellectual disability (ID) in itself, being a risk factor of immense significance. Ongoing clinical and research evidence points to the need for specific interventions at the earliest possible onset, based on sound objective assessment and diagnostic frameworks. Our challenge in the twenty-first century is to continue to develop our “early warning systems”, and to rigorously explore, engage and evaluate the range of possible therapeutic interventions available to these young students. A further challenge is to develop appropriate preventative strategies, in an attempt to alleviate the consequences of the entire range of mental health difficulties.