Developmental differences in understanding the causes, controllability and chronicity of disabilities

Objective The present study explored typically developing children's (n = 77) understanding of the causes, controllability and chronicity of disabilities. Design Children in each of four age groups (4-5 years, 6-7 years, 9-10 years and 11-12 years) were interviewed to explore their ideas about children with physical disabilities (minor: missing thumb; major: wheel-chair bound), sensory disabilities (blindness and hearing loss), learning disabilities (non-specific and Down syndrome) and emotional/behavioural difficulties (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lack of social skills). Results Significant age differences were found in children's understandings of the causes, controllability and chronicity of disabilities. Furthermore, children showed a greater understanding of salient disabilities. Conclusions Findings are discussed in terms of developmental changes and the role of experience in shaping children's understanding of disabilities.