As Hong Kong tackles SEN, technology set for a bigger role in assessment, intervention
Improved awareness and early detection have seen a rise in special education needs diagnoses, and while the stigma is fading, challenges remain
Hong Kong has seen a striking rise in the number of students identified with special educational needs (SEN) over the past decade.
Experts say, however, that the numbers may not reflect a sudden surge in developmental disorders. Instead, improved awareness, early detection and a gradual shift in public attitudes are helping more families seek the help they need.
According to Natalie Tsui Yuen-ting, an educational psychologist at Heep Hong Society, a non-profit that provides support to children and youth with developmental and learning difficulties, the number of children referred for assessment has remained steadily high in recent years, reflecting not necessarily a rise in the prevalence of SEN, but rather a shift in attitudes and earlier detection.
“In the past, when children were lagging behind their peers, parents might have perceived them as lazy, not hard-working enough, or thought they would gradually improve as they grew older,” says Tsui. “However, parents nowadays generally have a better understanding of what SEN is.”
This knowledge, she explains, is reinforced by earlier entry into educational settings. With many children now attending pre-nursery classes or playgroups before the age of two, parents are exposed earlier to comparisons with peers – and are quick to spot any possible developmental delays.
“Sometimes the parents may also compare their children’s developmental milestones in WhatsApp groups,” says Tsui. “Although the competitive atmosphere may not be healthy, we sense that parents nowadays are more aware of developmental differences among children.”