When you see children behaving weirdly in public, how would you react? Will you consider the reasons behind their behavior, and change your attitude if so? Recent study conducted by YWCA, revealed that over 70% of parents with Special Educational Needs (SEN) children, still worried about their children causing troubles in public. As many of them received unfriendly gestures or response in places such as public transportation or restaurants, they believed that if others were aware of their children’s SEN condition, they might be more likely to offer understanding and kindness manners.

The study also surveyed the general public’s attitudes toward children with noticeable behaviors, most of them were willing to give encouraging reactions if they could have aware those behaviors were from SEN children, and even willing to be together in public places. Veteran social worker suggested that both SEN and the general public are willing to understand and accept each other’s perspectives, but it remains challenging to bring them into everyday life practices; government and society should also work together to increase SEN-friendly resources, and bridge differences to achieve mutual inclusion.

The study conducted between September and October 2024, surveyed 520 SEN parents 619 people from general public. Among the SEN parents surveyed, 46.7% experienced unfriendly reactions from others due to their children’s behavior. Common forms of reactions include uncomfortable stares (43.1%), being mocked (31.7%) and verbally abused (28.7%).

Forms Of Unfriendly Reactions Experienced

These unfriendly reactions often come from peers (26.9%), pedestrians (22.5%), relatives (15.6%), other parents (14.0%) and restaurant staff (14.0%). Most of incidents happened on public transport (26.7%), in schools (23.8%), on the street (21.5%), and in community facilities (21.0%).

When facing awkward situations, majority of interviewed parents stated they would immediately leave the scene (64.4%) or try to explain their child’s condition (37.7%). However, 25.7% of parents chose not to respond at all. Despite these actions, 85.0% of parents believe it is difficult for the public to accept their SEN children, and 72.7% still worry about potential incidents when their children are out in public.

The study revealed that most parents (71.0%) actually do not mind others knowing their child has SEN, and 60.0% respondents hope that awareness would lead to improved attitudes. Respondents also wish others would give children space when they performing unusual behaviors (52.9%), show kindness (44.6%) or avoid staring (42.5%).

Parents’ Expectations Of Reactions From Others

Among the 619 interviewed people from general public, 63.8% and 58.3% of respondents admitted to reacting negatively, such as quickly walking away, complaining to staff, or staring when they observed children’s disruptive behavior. While 83.0% respondent claimed they would suspect those children might have SEN, many would attribute disruptive behaviors to naughtiness or poor parenting, while only repetitive actions would more likely associated to SEN.

Public Perception On Children’s Behaviors

Nonetheless, most respondents expressed willingness to accept SEN children, such as taking transportation together (71.2%), serve SEN community in workplace (69.6%) and learn more about SEN (85.6%). However, 86.6% agreed that acceptance of SEN children in society as a whole remains challenging, even though 70.8% claimed to know what SEN is.

Ms. Bettina Ng, Chief Officer (Youth and Community Service), noted that while the government provides extensive support for SEN children, from the study, however, indicated that public often showed their intolerance at the first place, and seldom think of why children behave in such ways.

Ng emphasized that giving space, showing understanding, offering assistance would create opportunities for parents to settle SEN children quickly, thus dismantle potential conflicts. She also encouraged parents to share daily life experience with SEN children to reduce their anxiety in public places. Ng also called for more public education and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance mutual inclusion between the community and the SEN population.