Structuring the learning disabilities module: A course design based on case study

Abstract

Children with learning disabilities are at greater risk of being victims of sexual abuse in schools. This paper discusses 4^th year pre-service school counsellors’ specific knowledge related to self-confidence and skills to execute the prevention and support processes on the topic of sexual abuse in children with learning disabilities. Qualitative research data from the questionnaire answers received from 80 pre-service school counsellors were analysed using thematic analysis with an action research format. The results demonstrated that their preparation program was inadequate and needed more content relating to child sexual abuse. The results also showed that the knowledge of the pre-service school psychologists related to sexual abuse, the prevention and support processes for sexual abuse increased significantly after application of the action research content. These results are promising, but more research is needed to see if the increased knowledge in turn leads to application in practice and better care for victims.

Keywords: Childhood sexual abuse; school psychologist; learning disabilities; action research, prevention and support processes.