Impact of Special Needs on Academic Performance of Students of Secondary Education

This study investigates how various special educational needs (SEN) influence the academic trajectories of students in secondary education. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines the performance gap between students with neurodevelopmental disorders and their neurotypical peers. The findings indicate that while conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) correlate with lower Grade Point Averages (GPA), the implementation of inclusive pedagogical strategies and assistive technology significantly mitigates these negative effects. The paper argues for systemic shifts in teacher training to better accommodate diverse learning profiles in the secondary classroom.