Comparisons With Youth in the General Population

The picture of youth with disabilities presented in this report is similar to that of youth in the general population on several dimensions, yet significant differences between the two groups also are apparent.⁵² For example, there are no statistically significant differences in reporting that they are cared about "very much" by parents or that they rely "a lot" on them and on siblings or a boy- or girlfriend for support. There also are no statistically significant differences in responses related to feelings of safety at school or in expectations of "definitely" receiving a regular high school diploma.

However, in several respects, youth with disabilities express somewhat more negative views, experiences, or expectations than their general-population peers, particularly with regard to school. For example, youth with disabilities are more likely than youth in the general population to report having daily trouble paying attention, completing their homework, and getting along with teachers and students. They also are more likely to have little or no sense of affiliation with school and to report strong disagreement that they enjoy school. Interestingly, however, youth with disabilities also are more likely to report strong agreement that they enjoy school. They are less likely than youth in general to expect "definitely" to attend or complete postsecondary school. Regarding their relationships in general, youth with disabilities are more likely than others to report feeling lonely and disliked by others "most or all of the time." Nonetheless, compared with youth in the general population, those with disabilities are more likely to say they receive "a lot" of attention from their families and to report enjoying life and feeling hopeful about the future "most or all of the time."