Reasons for Over-Identifications of Children with Disabilities in Pakistan: An Analytical Survey

Abstract

The thought behind this research study was to explore the basic reasons for the over-identification of children in the special education department in Punjab. The population for the study was honorable teachers and the professionals working in this department. The research tool developed was a questionnaire created to record the opinions of the special education professionals and teaching staff against the tentative reasons. The sample who participated and provided their valuable opinions were249 teaching staff and professionals from all over Punjab. The major reasons for the over-identification of children recorded are professional inefficiency, poor family background, some behavioral, Social or Psychological issues, Substandard diagnostic process,Shortage of human resources, Mis-evaluation of the poor health of the student, and lack of strong advocacy by a professional organization to reduce over-identification. Key recommendations made by the researchers are aware of the identification process,hiring the professionals, and timely and updated training should be conducted to reduce the over-identification of children in Special education in Punjab.