15.1 Categories of Exceptionalities and Learning Disabilities

Students with special needs require tailored support in education. This topic explores various exceptionalities, including cognitive, learning, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these conditions helps educators create inclusive environments that meet diverse student needs.

Learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD are among the challenges discussed. The notes also cover sensory impairments, physical disabilities, and emotional-behavioral disorders. Effective interventions and accommodations for each category are highlighted to support student success.

Cognitive and Learning Disabilities

Learning and Intellectual Disabilities

Top images from around the web for Learning and Intellectual Disabilities

• 

  Specific Learning Disability by Cookie23 | Teachers Pay Teachers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Universal Design for Learning and Intellectual Disabilities View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Specific Learning Disability by Cookie23 | Teachers Pay Teachers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Learning and Intellectual Disabilities

• 

  Specific Learning Disability by Cookie23 | Teachers Pay Teachers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Universal Design for Learning and Intellectual Disabilities View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Specific Learning Disability by Cookie23 | Teachers Pay Teachers View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems that can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing and/or math
• Intellectual disabilities are characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills
• Specific learning disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes the ability to learn or use specific academic skills (reading, writing, or arithmetic), which are the foundation for other academic learning
• Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills, characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor decoding, and poor spelling abilities

Specific Learning Disorders

• Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and learn math facts, characterized by difficulties understanding math symbols, memorizing math facts, organizing numbers, and understanding number magnitude
• Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's handwriting ability and fine motor skills, characterized by difficulties with forming letters, writing within a defined space, and writing down thoughts
• Specific learning disorders often co-occur with other disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), communication disorders, and developmental coordination disorder
• Early identification and intervention are crucial for individuals with specific learning disorders to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and in their future careers

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Autism spectrum disorders are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
• Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors
• Autism spectrum disorders can range from mild to severe and often have a significant impact on an individual's ability to function in various areas of life (school, work, social relationships)
• Early diagnosis and intervention, including behavioral therapies and educational supports, can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development
• Symptoms of ADHD can include difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, and forgetfulness in daily activities
• ADHD can have significant impacts on academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life if left unaddressed
• Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication (stimulants), behavioral therapy, and educational supports and accommodations

Communication Disorders

Speech and Language Impairments

• Speech and language impairments are communication disorders that affect an individual's ability to communicate effectively with others
• Speech disorders can include difficulties with articulation (production of speech sounds), fluency (flow of speech), and voice (quality, pitch, and loudness)
• Language disorders can involve the form (phonology, morphology, syntax), content (semantics), and/or use (pragmatics) of language
• Speech and language impairments can have significant impacts on academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem
• Early identification and intervention, including speech-language therapy, can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with speech and language impairments

Sensory and Physical Disabilities

Visual and Hearing Impairments

• Visual impairments are disorders in the structure and function of the eye that cause vision loss or blindness, which can range from mild to severe
• Hearing impairments are disorders that affect an individual's ability to detect, recognize, discriminate, and/or comprehend sound, which can range from mild to profound
• Accommodations for students with visual impairments can include large print or Braille materials, assistive technology (screen readers, magnifiers), and modifications to the physical environment (lighting, contrast)
• Accommodations for students with hearing impairments can include assistive technology (hearing aids, FM systems), sign language interpreters, and closed captioning

Physical Disabilities

• Physical disabilities are impairments that limit an individual's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity, or stamina
• Examples of physical disabilities include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and spinal cord injuries
• Accommodations for students with physical disabilities can include modified equipment (adapted keyboards, pencil grips), assistive technology (voice recognition software, alternative input devices), and modifications to the physical environment (ramps, widened doorways)
• Inclusion of students with physical disabilities in general education classrooms with appropriate supports and accommodations is important for their academic and social development

Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Characteristics and Impacts

• Emotional and behavioral disorders are characterized by persistent patterns of internalizing (anxiety, depression) and/or externalizing (aggression, defiance) behaviors that interfere with educational performance
• Examples of emotional and behavioral disorders include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Emotional and behavioral disorders can have significant impacts on academic performance, social relationships, and overall mental health and well-being
• Students with emotional and behavioral disorders often require a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral interventions, counseling, and collaboration between educators, mental health professionals, and families

Interventions and Supports

• Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success
• Functional behavioral assessments (FBA) are used to identify the function or purpose of a student's problem behavior and inform the development of an individualized behavior intervention plan (BIP)
• Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs teach students skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, which can help prevent and address emotional and behavioral issues
• Collaboration between educators, mental health professionals, and families is essential for providing comprehensive supports and ensuring consistency across settings (school, home, community) for students with emotional and behavioral disorders