Huge Surge in Disabled Children since Covid-19, Reports Show
Rise in Children with Disabilities and Behavioral Disorders Causes Concern
A recent report has revealed a drastic increase in the number of disabled children since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Official data indicates that there has been a staggering one-third rise in disabled children, with the total number reaching 1.6 million children. This alarming surge has sparked concerns and has shed light on the growing prevalence of behavioral disorders, such as ADHD and autism, affecting children.
Behavioral Disorders and Mental Health Conditions on the Rise
The impact of Covid-19 on children’s mental health has been significant, with diagnoses of mental health and behavioral conditions skyrocketing. The report indicates that one in every nine children is now reported to have a disability. The number of children receiving benefits for behavioral disorders has risen by a staggering 144% since the pandemic’s outbreak, reaching nearly 140,000 children.
Causes and Factors Contributing to the Surge
The surge in reported disabilities has been attributed to an increased willingness to diagnose behavioral issues as disorders and the growing prevalence of mental health problems among the young. Factors such as the lockdown measures, disruption to schools, and a rise in absenteeism have likely intensified the existing trend of deteriorating youth mental health.
Rise in Claimants and Generational Reliance on Benefits
The data from the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed a 69% increase in disability benefits being claimed for children in the past decade, compared to a 10% overall rise in claimants. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential long-term consequences, with ministers fearing that child disability payments, currently amounting to £3 billion, will reach £5 billion by 2030. This significant increase raises concerns about creating a generation reliant on benefits.
Learning Disabilities and the Need for Support
Of the 650,000 children currently receiving disability allowance, half of the claims are for learning disabilities, which has seen a 37% increase in the past five years. Furthermore, the number of children claiming disability benefits has risen by 17% since the pandemic, in stark contrast to the overall increase of 3% for claims. This highlights the urgent need for support and intervention to address the growing concerns surrounding children’s well-being.
Growing Awareness and Support
Lucy Foulkes, a psychologist from the University of Oxford, acknowledges the role of increased awareness in prompting individuals to seek help. Foulkes notes that the threshold for identifying mental health problems has broadened, leading to individuals seeking support for milder manifestations of the same problems. Not only has awareness increased, but there has also been a rise in the number of children and young people actively seeking formal diagnoses, contributing to the reported surge in disabilities.
Government’s Response and Commitment
A government spokesman acknowledged the significant rise in awareness of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, resulting in an increased number of formal diagnoses. The government remains committed to an inclusive welfare system that supports the most vulnerable while ensuring fairness for taxpayers. Furthermore, all benefits are subject to claimants meeting the eligibility criteria, ensuring a balanced approach to providing support for children with disabilities.
