TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

• Difficulty Processing Information (Sensory Processing Disorder)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Developmental Delay

POSSIBLE CHARACTERISTICS

• May have short attention span
• May have speech and language difficulties
• May have a range of difficulty with physical/motor skills
• May be overwhelmed by a large amount of new information at once
• May view each learning experience as new, instead of attaching new knowledge to prior-learned ideas
• May behave inappropriately due to difficulty reading social situations
• May have low self-esteem

BEST PRACTICES

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• Focusing Tips
• Boosting Confidence
• Teaching Tips

• Repeat instructions
• Provide frequent feedback
• Break down tasks into smaller steps
• Display rules
• Prepare students for transitions
• Always demonstrate when giving instructions
• Reduce distractions
• Buddy student up with a strong student or volunteer
• Find out the student’s strengths and emphasize them
• Be flexible about expectations
• Seek advice from parents/guardians
• Be patient