Parental and child factors in children with special education

Abstract

Around 10% of school children receive special education (SE), however, we know little about what characterizes these children. This study examined the relationships between parental and child factors in children with SE. It is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The sample included 1,424 SE children and 35,161 typically developing 8-year-old children. A network analysis was constructed for SE children and non-SE children. Compared to non-SE children, the SE group exhibited lower communication skills, higher language difficulties and more ADHD symptoms. Communication skills and ADHD symptoms were the two most related factors in the SE network. Language abilities in SE children were less influenced by their behavioral and parental factors. Language skills were related to ADHD symptoms in both groups. The selection of assigning children to SE is not biased by gender. SE assessment and instruction should address children’s difficulties in multiple domains.