Disability Among Children

According to the 1990 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) and data from institutions, 4,536,000 children under 18 were reported as having a disability, with 4,444,500 living in the community and 91,800 residing in institutions. The leading causes of disability among children were (in order) learning disabilities, speech disorders, mental retardation and other developmental disabilities, mental illness, and respiratory conditions. Compared to children with no disabilities, those with disabilities, those with disabilities were more likely to be boys, over age 6, White, and to have Medicaid; less likely to have private health insurance; and, almost equally as likely to be poor. (ASPE Research Notes, Volume 10) [5 PDF pages]