Children with additional support requirements are not obtaining vital classroom assistance, new research indicates.

A study by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists has discovered that lengthy queues for occupational therapy support are harming young people’s emotional wellbeing, development, and ability to attend school regularly.

The professional organisation’s membership poll revealed that approximately ninety percent of respondents observed emotional difficulties or anxiety among young people caused by delayed access to occupational therapy services.

Further problems include reduced participation in school life, slower progress in acquiring fundamental skills, and greater strain on teachers.

Paul Smith, who works as the policy and public affairs manager for Wales at RCOT, said that every child in Wales deserves the same chances to learn and achieve, but their findings illustrate the serious impact of extended waiting times for occupational therapy services.

Young people throughout Wales are currently missing out on support that could make education more reachable and pleasurable.

While waiting for services, children can feel upset, anxious, and fall behind in their studies and development, which is why a whole-school coordinated approach is essential.

Attendance figures for students with additional learning needs in Wales during the 2024/25 academic year were considerably higher than the overall pupil average.

In primary settings, non-attendance levels hit 11.1 percent, while the general primary school rate was 6.9 percent. Secondary schools saw 17.7 percent absence rates against an overall figure of 10.1 percent.

Mr Smith stressed that providing help promptly can produce improved outcomes for students, educators, and school staff.

He explained that occupational therapists support children in taking part in school life and building skills for adulthood, such as improving future career opportunities.

Without sufficient occupational therapy staff in Wales, young people experience preventable challenges that could affect them permanently.

The body is urging that occupational therapy services be provided in all mainstream schools across Wales and the whole United Kingdom via a comprehensive school-based support system.