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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.