Most of the research and publications about students with learning disabilities and related complex learning profiles focus on remediation planning and accommodations. While these are essential areas of focus that aid in supporting students in working towards their learning goals and achieving positive academic outcomes, an equally important area, emotional wellbeing and self-esteem, is often ignored.
Research suggests that students with learning disabilities are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and low self-esteem than students who do not have a learning disability. Findings from numerous studies support that these correlations exist across the lifespan. But why is this? Although the research community does not have the answer yet, recent studies have begun to identify potential factors. For example, learning disabilities can make social interactions more challenging, often lead to academic difficulty and strain, and expose individuals to learning disability stigma and discrimination.
Out of these three factors, stigma and discrimination have received the least attention even though recent research suggests that learning disability discrimination is prevalent and is associated with increased psychological distress and low self-esteem. Learning disability stigma is commonly held negative beliefs about people with learning disabilities. These beliefs are socially constructed over time and are often learned outside of one’s awareness. This means that people who hold these beliefs are usually well-intentioned and do not know they have these beliefs. Learning disability discrimination is an action someone takes in response to holding stigmatized views of learning disabilities.
Those stigmatized because of their learning disability may experience the following examples of discriminatory treatment from others:
As we know with other marginalized groups, exposure to stigma and discrimination can negatively impact mental wellbeing. Initial research on students with learning disabilities suggests that this form of discrimination is strongly correlated to poor mental health and decreased self-esteem. Although more research is needed about the impact of stigma and discrimination, we can still take action right away.
Here are three tips to combat learning disability stigma and discrimination:
At Organizational Tutors, we understand the power of knowledge and advocacy. In addition to building executive functioning skills, we work with students to help them understand their learning profiles, develop advocacy skills, and boost their confidence. Contact us today to explore how executive function coaching can help your student.
He’s just young and rambunctious. It’s his personality. These were all the things I told…
Fall is here, students have finally returned to in-person learning, and the customary new school…
One big change happening for teenagers is their relationship to sleep. Gone are the nights…
Many of us spent much more time at home than ever before this past year.…
Many students are entering summer, a time when there is already a documented slide for…
Five years ago, my tearful, red-faced, seven-year-old daughter stood before me, seconds after concluding an…
This website uses cookies.