Chief Investigator: Dr Amy Wyatt

Funding Amount : $94,995

Recipient: Flinders University

Overview: Around 15-20% of South Australian children have a learning difference such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Inclusive education is a basic human right, however, in Australian schools these children are currently at risk of peer-discrimination, which negatively impacts their mental health and learning outcomes. This project will assess the efficacy of an innovative program that uses the real-life stories of popular individuals (e.g. actors, authors, musicians) to challenge the attitudes of children towards learning differences. This research has broad-reaching potential to reduce peer-discrimination and improve the well-being and life quality of children with learning differences.