Investigators
Alanna Sincovich & Tess Gregory
Project description
The prevalence of disability among children and adolescents in Australia, as well as trends in prevalence, are difficult to discern. Disability prevalence varies across data sources, presenting a challenge to the planning and allocation of resources and supports. This is a difficulty faced by the education sector in particular, tasked with providing ongoing, high-quality support for children and adolescents with a disability, despite limited evidence regarding levels of need.
The aim of the project was to provide the South Australian Department for Education with a synthesis of high-quality evidence on the population prevalence of various disabilities among school-aged children. Trends in prevalence over time were described according to available evidence, both in Australia and internationally. Information regarding common comorbidities and help seeking behaviours were also explored to better understand complex needs and service use among children and adolescents. Finally, factors that may be driving trends in prevalence were explored.
Findings from this project helped to identify how disability prevalence as reported in the scientific literature aligns with that of internal department data sources. Additionally, investigation of trends in the factors associated with disability prevalence highlight potential drivers that may lead to shifts in prevalence in future. Together, findings will help to inform the department’s future planning and provision of supports for students with disability.
This project was undertaken when Institute researchers Alanna Sincovich and Tess Gregory formed part of the Fraser Mustard Centre, a previous collaboration between researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia and policy makers at the South Australian Department for Education, aimed to improve research translation.
Project output
Sincovich, A., Moller, H., Gregory, T., & Brinkman, S. (2020). Review of trends in disabilities among children and adolescents. Fraser Mustard Centre. South Australian Department for Education and The Kids Research Institute Australia. Adelaide, South Australia. ISBN 978-0-9876002-8-8.
Funders of the project
South Australian Department for Education