Trends in parent-reported emotional and behavioral problems among children using special education services.
OBJECTIVE
This report describes trends in health conditions reported by parents as the limitations leading to special education services for their children.


METHODS
Data are reported for children ages 6-17 (N=182,998) surveyed in households in the 2001-2012 National Health Interview Survey.


RESULTS
Between 2001 and 2012, the overall percentage of U.S. children ages 6-17 who were receiving special education services increased from 7.2% to 8.7%. Between 2001 and 2012, the leading causes of activity limitations among children receiving special education services included emotional or behavioral problems, which increased from 36% to 43%; speech problems, which increased from 16% to 22%; and learning disability, which decreased from 41% to 27%. There were no significant trends in any of the other conditions considered as possible sources of activity limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Emotional and behavioral problems have become the most frequently reported source of activity limitations among children receiving special education services.
The authors are with the Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland (e-mail: php3@cdc.gov).
Patricia N
PN
Pastor
The authors are with the Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland (e-mail: php3@cdc.gov).
Cynthia A
CA
Reuben
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004519:Education, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology