PECULIARITIES OF THE SELF-CONCEPT IN STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) in adolescence are a key area for the successful application of the principles of integrated education. However, there are not many studies on the topic, which is a key indicator of the relevance of this study. The study presented in this article aims to detect and analyze the presence of characteristic features in the concept of self in students with SLD in middle school age (from 10 to 16 years of age). In order to establish characteristic features and peculiarities, an adapted version of the Q-sorting methodology was used. This method includes sorting cards with 14 polar personal traits, selected for their accessibility and distinctness for students with SLD. A total of 32 students in secondary schools in the municipality of Plovdiv were studied. 16 of them without a history of disabilities, and the remaining 16 have already been diagnosed with SLD, for which they receive special additional support in the schools where they study. The results show the presence of distinctive and specific differences in some aspects of the self-concept. The most significant differences are in the appraisal of the qualities "Capable", "Clever" and "Silly". The first two qualities are assessed by the students with SLD as less relevant to their real-self, and the third is assessed as much more relevant to their own self-image, in contrast to their classmates without disabilities. This assessment does not show gender or age specifics.