Abstract
The present study was intended to identify difficulties and needs in the overall educational experience (e.g., learning, friendship, and future course) in upper secondary schools as reported by students with mild developmental disabilities, including mild intellectual disabilities. Of 171 questionnaires distributed to students in upper secondary schools and as well as graduates of upper secondary schools, all of whom had mild developmental disabilities, responses were received from 55 students (response rate 32.2%). The results indicated that the students had a high need for learning support in subjects in which they had difficulty. Nonetheless, such supports were available in upper secondary schools only rarely. In their overall educational experience, students had great difficulty with friendships and human relations. In particular, many students reported that they had been bullied. Regarding the students' future, reality did not meet the situations and needs of the students with mild developmental disabilities. Although a considerable percentage of them had advanced to the next level of schooling, even when they advanced to college, they faced many difficulties there and in the search for work.
