Report: Children with disabilities are not accurately represented in books

By Staff Writer

A new report reveals that children who have developmental disabilities are underrepresented in the most acclaimed literature for kids.

According to Disability Scoop, the study showed that only 31 of the 131 winners of the Newbery Medal and Honor - a top prize for kids' books - contained a main or supporting character with a disability. The list of selections were released between 1975 and 2009. The findings are included in the December 2010 issue of the journal Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, the news provider reported.

Researchers found this ratio alarming because many children look to literature to find characters that they can identify with. Intellectual disabilities, such as autism, and physical setbacks were depicted in the books that included character with developmental problems. However, the report said that no disability was represented at - or near - the same rate that exists among children in the U.S.

The news provider reported that a similar study in 2006 examined the winners of the Caldecott Medal and Honor, which is awarded to children's picture books. Researchers found that the winning selection presented inaccurate views of life with a disability.

Kids who suffer from developmental disabilities may benefit from wilderness therapy, which is designed to provide struggling children with the attention and services that they deserve.