Students with Disabilities May Face Anxiety in the Classroom

All children encounter anxiety in returning to school. For children with special needs, however, their anxiety is often increased as they are particularly concerned about acceptance, integration, prejudice, discrimination and even the possibility of being bullied.


It is important for teachers, counselors, and educational assistants to recognize these concerns and to teach all of their students the values of acceptance and advocacy.


Some special needs students are separated into special classes and these separate classes are often negatively identified by other students. In the past, these special classes
have often functioned as warehousing units that did not provide any meaningful education. Today however, many of these separate classes often provide special needs students the skills they require to adapt successfully to mainstream society. Forward thinking educators are working diligently to integrate these students effectively into the classroom.


Progressive educational strategies teach the skills which allow many students with disabilities to successfully overcome barriers and adjust to mainstream life. Many of these students not only graduate from school but benefit from postgraduate educational and subsequent employment.


In reality, many schools do not have adequate personnel and facilities to effectively educate students with disabilities. In many jurisdictions, teaching assistants for special needs
students are being cut back and some special needs educators are forced to look after the needs of two or more children. This is a tragic circumstance, as children with special needs often require individual attention if they are going to benefit from their education.


For example, children with autism can often make huge strides with the support of ABA therapy, which is a learning therapy that can only be effectively administered on a one to one basis. This educational benefit has a long term positive outcome, as students
with autism who receive this support have a 70% opportunity of becoming fully integrated and independent. Without this specialized learning therapy, students with autism have
drastically reduced possibilities and may be destined for a life on welfare or institutionalization. The long term costs far exceed the short term expenses of providing ABA therapy to those who require this support.


Special needs students also worry about acceptance by their classmates. They are often accepted by their teachers and fellow students, and many of them receive notes and other supports; however many fail to develop friendships and social bonds. As a result, these students spend their weekends and holidays with their parents and other members of their families. This is particularly difficult for teenagers who are very concerned with fitting in and social networking. Progressive teachers and educational assistants structure friendship circles to address this problem. With the permission of their parents, fellow students who are sensitive and caring are contacted and told of the barriers special needs students encounter. They are encouraged to contact students with special needs regularly. They
are counseled to maintain frequent phone contact and to socialize with them a few times a week by going to a movie, shopping at a mall, engaging in recreation, and going to parties. Although these friendship networks are often artificial in the beginning, in many cases, they develop into lifelong friendships. These structured friendship circles have permitted special needs students to be effectively integrated and enjoy a rich social life. One of the essential lessons in life is to teach all individuals the value of accepting those who are different.


More students with special needs that ever are now being admitted into the school system but they must be effectively educated and integrated in order to benefit. To deprive special
needs students of the most progressive educational supports makes them mere spectators in the classroom. This would be a tragic waste of time, effort, and resources. There are cut backs taking place in many educational districts across the country and this has negative implications for all students; however, the implications for students with special needs are particularly cruel, as cut backs deny them the resources to maximize their potential. Many of these individuals can prosper if the supports are in place but if they are deprived of these benefits, their educational experience may become meaningless.


We are fortunate to live in a society which has been described as one of the leading nations in the world. The benefits which we enjoy as a result of living in this country should also flow equally to students who have special needs.