- Discrimination and Isolation: Students with disabilities may face discrimination and isolation from their peers. This can be especially difficult for students with learning disabilities, as they may not always have the social skills they need to navigate social interactions effectively.
-Negative Academic Experiences: Students with disabilities may struggle academically, which can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and inadequacy. They may also feel embarrassed about their difficulties and may be reluctant to seek help.
- Bullying and Harassment: Students with disabilities are at increased risk for bullying and harassment from their peers. This can further isolate them from their classmates and make it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies.
Educational Stressors
- Difficulty with Classwork: Students with learning disabilities may have difficulty understanding the material presented in class. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of failure.
- Difficulties with Time Management: Students with disabilities may have difficulty managing their time effectively, which can lead to missed assignments and exams. This can put them behind in their coursework and make it difficult to catch up.
-Lack of Support: Students with disabilities may not have the support they need to be successful in school. This can include a lack of access to resources, such as assistive technology and tutoring, as well as a lack of understanding from teachers and administrators.
Emotional and Behavioral Stressors
- Depression: Students with disabilities are at increased risk for depression, which can make it difficult for them to concentrate, learn, and interact socially.
- Anxiety: Students with disabilities may also experience anxiety, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as difficulty sleeping, avoiding social situations, and feeling overwhelmed.
-Low Self-Esteem: Students with disabilities may have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult for them to cope with the challenges they face. They may also be hesitant to ask for help, which can further compound their difficulties.
Transition Stressors
- Transition to Middle School or High School: Students with disabilities may experience stress when transitioning from elementary school to middle school or from middle school to high school. This can be due to a number of factors, such as changes in the academic environment, the social environment, and the expectations placed on them.
- Transition to Postsecondary Education or Employment: Students with disabilities may also experience stress when transitioning from high school to postsecondary education or employment. This can be due to a number of factors, such as the need to find appropriate support services, the need to learn new skills, and the need to adjust to a new environment.
Financial Stressors
- Financial Hardship: Students with disabilities may come from families that are experiencing financial hardship, which can put additional stress on the student. This can make it difficult for them to afford the necessary support services, such as tutoring and assistive technology, and can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
- Financial Aid Concerns: Students with disabilities may also have concerns about financial aid, such as how to pay for college or how to find a job that will provide adequate compensation and support services. This can add to their overall financial stress and make it difficult for them to focus on their studies.