By the Numbers - Apr. 11, 2016
220,000
The approximate number of active duty and Reserve Service members who have a family member with special needs, according to an article recently published online in Disability and Health Journal, Understanding Military Families Who Have Dependents with Special Health Care and/or Educational Needs.
According to the article, there have only been a few studies of military families with special needs children. But when compared to military families without "children with special healthcare and/or educational challenges," there were more findings of poorer health, coping difficulties, depression, "fewer favorable perceptions of their military skills and abilities, and more pessimistic attitudes about their military careers."
The most commonly encountered diagnoses in military families were Autism (94%) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (93%). Between 80% and 90% of FS (family support) providers reported working with families dealing with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Speech & Language Disorders, Asthma, Developmental Delays, and Mental Health Problems.
DOD's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), created by mandate of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), "identifies military families who have adult or child dependents that (1) require special healthcare services; (2) receive ongoing medical services from specialists; (3) have significant behavioral health concerns; or (4) receive early intervention or special education services." According to the article, "approximately 120,000 families are enrolled in EFMP."
220,000
The approximate number of active duty and Reserve Service members who have a family member with special needs, according to an article recently published online in Disability and Health Journal, Understanding Military Families Who Have Dependents with Special Health Care and/or Educational Needs.
According to the article, there have only been a few studies of military families with special needs children. But when compared to military families without "children with special healthcare and/or educational challenges," there were more findings of poorer health, coping difficulties, depression, "fewer favorable perceptions of their military skills and abilities, and more pessimistic attitudes about their military careers."
The most commonly encountered diagnoses in military families were Autism (94%) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (93%). Between 80% and 90% of FS (family support) providers reported working with families dealing with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Speech & Language Disorders, Asthma, Developmental Delays, and Mental Health Problems.
DOD's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), created by mandate of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), "identifies military families who have adult or child dependents that (1) require special healthcare services; (2) receive ongoing medical services from specialists; (3) have significant behavioral health concerns; or (4) receive early intervention or special education services." According to the article, "approximately 120,000 families are enrolled in EFMP."