How social exclusion impacts the cognitive development of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Society has been constructed and developed in a way that excludes and ostracizes people with disabilities. Examples exist all around us, from but are particularly rampant within schools, a place where students should be supported no matter who you are. These instances of exclusion can impact a student with disabilities in a myriad of ways, especially given how frequent instances of exclusion are within the school. Their cognitive development becomes stymied as the brain becomes preoccupied, and the student’s mental well-being becomes incredibly hindered. Given how common exclusion of those with disabilities happens within the school systems of America, conversations must be started, and people need to start learning how heavily their behaviors and traditions can impact a person. Effects of exclusion are often felt for a person’s entire life, making this an imperative issue to bring more awareness to, and increase understanding toward.