What disabilities and developmental concerns are diagnosed in secondary school students?

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder
• Anxiety
• Mood disorders (such as depression)
• Specific learning difficulty (reading, mathematics, writing)

Do you have concerns about a student’s development?

Parents or carers are often the first to notice a concern or delay with their child. They may come to you for professional advice. Sometimes teachers will be the first to notice, as some concerns, such as social difficulties, may only be apparent in group situations like the classroom.

A student may need additional support if some of the following signs are present and affecting their learning, mood, communication, control, attention, participation, and/or ability to make and keep friends:

• Low mood or irritability.
• Change in their participation in school and/or social activities.
• Difficulty initiating and maintaining interactions with others when playing or talking with other students.
• Greater concern with reading, writing or mathematics in comparison to their peers.
• Frequent stomach aches, a racing heart or other physiological symptoms (with no known medical cause).
• Frequent emotional outbursts.
• Struggling to understand schoolwork or social cues compared to peers.
• Difficulties in completing schoolwork due to an inability to focus their attention to the task, or unable to remain seated for periods of time.
• Frequently feels tired, worthless or unmotivated.
• Avoidance of specific situations such as going to school, social events, school concerts or physical education.
• Refusal or inability to follow requests or instructions.
• Difficulty with executive functioning, particularly organising, planning and prioritising.
• Steals or destroys others’ property.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol or substance use.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of indicators, and you may notice other concerns.