As awareness increases, more than 800,000 students in Japan may have developmental disabilities

By Barrier Free Japan

July 19 2026

TOKYO – More than 800,000 students attending public elementary and junior high schools across Japan are estimated to have developmental disabilities, according to a government survey, with experts saying the increase reflects improved recognition rather than a sudden rise in prevalence.

A 2022 survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology found that 8.8 percent of approximately 75,000 students enrolled in regular classes at 1,627 public elementary and junior high schools nationwide were considered likely to have developmental disabilities.

The figure was up 2.3 percentage points from the ministry’s previous survey conducted in 2012.

Based on a typical class size of 35 students, the findings suggest that around three children in each classroom experience difficulties related to learning, communication or interpersonal relationships associated with developmental disabilities.

Extrapolated nationwide, the survey indicates that more than 800,000 students in Japan’s public elementary and junior high schools may require additional educational support.

Writing in ‘with online’ pediatrician Ayumi Hoshino cautions that the higher figure does not necessarily indicate that developmental disabilities have become more common. Instead, they attribute the increase primarily to greater awareness among parents and teachers, as well as revisions to diagnostic criteria that have enabled more children to be identified and receive appropriate support.

Developmental disabilities include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders (LD), which vary in their characteristics and support needs.