How many students with developmental disabilities are in Japanese universities?

In the 2024 academic year, 14,666 students with developmental disabilities were enrolled in Japanese universities, junior colleges, and technical colleges.

Why are developmental disabilities often identified late in Japanese students?

These conditions frequently become apparent during major life changes like entering university or the workforce, rather than during childhood health checkups.

What kind of support does Saga University offer students with developmental disabilities?

Saga University's campus life support room provides counseling, diagnostic intelligence testing, and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities or illnesses.

Home / Education / Late Diagnosis: Japanese Students Struggle with Hidden Disabilities

Late Diagnosis: Japanese Students Struggle with Hidden Disabilities

28 Nov

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Summary

University students with developmental disabilities in Japan have quintupled in a decade.
Many conditions are identified late, surfacing during transitions to higher education.
University support rooms offer testing and accommodations for students facing challenges.

Late Diagnosis: Japanese Students Struggle with Hidden Disabilities

The enrollment of students with developmental disabilities in Japanese higher education institutions has seen a dramatic fivefold increase over the past decade. These conditions, stemming from congenital brain function disorders affecting social interaction, are frequently diagnosed late. Many students, like Kenta, a graduate student at Saga University, only realize their struggles when facing the academic demands of university life, often after their transition from high school.

Kenta experienced significant academic difficulties during his first year, missing assignments and struggling with online coursework. Upon resuming in-person classes, he found himself unable to attend, facing the prospect of repeating a year. His mother's intervention led him to the university's campus life support room, a dedicated center offering counseling and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.