Socijalna okolina i adolescenti s neurorazvojnim oštećenjima

Abstract

During adolescence interpersonal relations and interactions with increase of the social environment are becoming more important. It is therefore proven that the social environment affects both positively and negatively on those participating in it. Studies have shown that students with disabilities engage less and more infrequently in school circles and organisations, and have less social interactions with colleges outside the classroom. The characteristics of their environment are a larger barrier to school participation, and physical, cognitive and social requirements can also pose a barrier to participation. Considering the stated discoveries the goal of this research was to examine the participation and adaptation of adolescents with ND to the requirements of the social environment, to examine the source of assistance they receive and to examine the perception of the received assistance. 36 adolescents with ND from 15 to 20 years of age residing in locations all over Croatia have participated in this study. The results have shown that the social environment has great influence on the functioning of an adolescent with ND generally. Irrespective of the level of the function, everybody has a need to participate equally in community life. The presence of social assistance is shown to help a great deal in raising self confidence. The results have raised new questions that should be further researched, for example, which factors influence the discomfort and insecurity adolescents with ND feel in an unknown environment, how adolescents perceive their future and the decreasing role of the family as an adult.