المواهب و القدرات الخاصة لدى ذوات الإعاقة الفكرية في ضوء بعض المتغيرات بمدارس الدمج بمدينة الرياض

Abstract EN

This study aims at identifying the special abilities amongst female students with intellectual disabilities based on level of their handicap (mild, moderate), and detecting any differences with statistical significance that can be attributed to variables such as: student age, nature of school (public vs.

private), and past experience of their teachers.

Population sample included 219 female students with intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to moderate.

The girls (whose age varies between 7 and 18) were randomly selected from public and private inclusion schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The researcher developed a test that measured the special abilities/giftedness amongst intellectually disabled students.

Results revealed the presence of differences of statistical significance in special abilities namely: verbal, numeric, spatial, motor/ kinesthetic, and rhythmic.

Elder girls in addition to those who were taught by teachers with longer years of experience demonstrated better results than their other peers.

No differences of statistical significance were found to be linked with the level of intellectual disability (mild, moderate).

This confirms the presence special abilities amongst this category of intellectually disabled girls regardless of their level of intelligence.

Such special giftedness/abilities are naturally different from common abilities (intellect).

No differences with statistical significance were attributed to the school genre (public vs.

private).

This confirms that private schools – despite their high costs and fees – have minimal impact on this kind of students.

The researcher recommends additional studies in the Arab world to identify possible variables that may impact special abilities amongst intellectually disabled people.

She also recommends the development and implementation of a training program dedicated to improving instructors’ teaching skills and strategies for mentally disabled students.

In addition, the researcher recommends that media should play an active role in raising people’s awareness regarding special abilities amongst people with intellectual/mental disabilities.