Deaf / Hard of Hearing Characteristics
Deaf / Hard of Hearing Characteristics
Name
Deaf / Hard of
Hearing
Definition &
AB Educ.
Code
Definition:
Characteristics
&/or
Observable
Behaviors
Characteristics:
-Little or no
functional
hearing, which
depends upon
visual, rather
than auditory,
communication.
-May have
difficulty with
speech, reading,
and writing skills
-Separated in
two categories:
1. Deaf
2. Hearing
Disabled
Codes:
1. Deaf:
-45 for ECS*
-Gr. 12
2. Hearing
Disabled:
-30 for ECS
-55 for Gr. 1Gr. 12
-May be skilled
lip readers
-May use
American Sign
Language as a
primary mode of
communication
-Can be
culturally deaf
(born with no
hearing) or latedeafened (lose
hearing later in
life)
-May also have
speech
impairments
Observable
Behaviors:
-Students who are
deaf or hard of
hearing tend to
have higher rates
of inattention,
aggression, noncompliance, and
depression
than students who
are not deaf or
hard of hearing
Definition and AB
Educ. Code
Definition:
-Anxiety disorders are
characterized by an
excessive and
persistent sense of
apprehension along
with physical
symptoms, such as
sweating, palpitations,
stomach aches and
feelings of stress.
Characteristics &
Observable Behaviors
Characteristics and
Observable Behaviors:
-Phobias/panic attacks
-Social anxiety (easily
embarrassed, shy,
fearful of judgment
and evaluation)
-Excessive worry
-Anxiety disorders
have biological and
environmental causes,
and are usually treated
with therapy and/or
medication. Anxiety
disorders can coexist
with many other
disorders and
disabilities
-Feelings of self-doubt
Codes:
-Sleep deprivation
over/under arousal
Teaching
Strategies &
Resources
Strategies:
-Develop
realistic goals
and chart
student
progress
-Conduct reality
checks with the
student to avoid
unrealistic
expectations
-Negative thoughts
-Help the
student to
accept and
prepare for
setbacks
-Prolonged sense of
tension
-Teach the
student positive
self-talk
-Sweaty palms
-Upset stomach
http://education.alberta.ca/media/8258
ia.pdf
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inm
disorders.html
http://www.cprf.ca/publication/pdf/tea
http://www.worrywisekids.org/schools
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/ins
nxiety.html
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inm
disorders.html
http://www.sbbh.pitt.edu/files/other/A
etter.pdf
http://www.worrywisekids.org/node/4
http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/un
anxiety-disorders/#.VLsviYeTYoY
-Allow the
student to listen
to music
-Reduce
threatening
situations (such
as test taking),
find other ways
to summatively
assess, or
adjust the
environment to
be more
comfortable
(perform the
test outside of
the classroom,
isolated space
etc.)
-Seating
Arrangement
(place the
student beside
someone they
work well with)
-Avoid having
the student
stand/ present
in front of the
classroom
-Distract the
student from
worry by
engaging them
with positive
tasks, or humor
to reduce the
anxiety
Exceptionality
Definition and AB
Links
Name
Depression
Educ code
Definition:
behaviors
Characteristics:
-Depression is an
imbalance of
serotonin a feelgood chemical in
the brains signalling
system.
-Types of
Depression:
1.Clinical
Depression: a
minimum of 5
symptoms
(depressed mood, or
loss of interest) are
present for at least 2
weeks
2.Depressive
Symptoms:
symptoms of
depression are
present but child does
not meet criteria
3.Dysthymic
Disorder:
mild/moderate
depression for at least
1 year Adjustment
Disorder with
Depressed Mood:
Depressed mood as a
result of a negative
experience this lasts
up to six months
-Depression affects
people at any age and
there are a number of
factors that
contribute to causing
and maintaining
symptoms of
depression
-Depression has been
linked to genetics.
Code:
-53
Albert
http://w
a/docu
SResis
ofC.pd
Albert
Potent
http://w
a.ca/ad
ent/div
ng.asp
British
of Edu
Studen
Disord
Resou
Volum
http://w
specia
_resou
Depres
Studen
http://w
comm
ess/dep
Health
http://w
health/
OtherF
Learn
Medic
Inform
Teache
http://w
conten
ssion.h
Health
for Tea
Consu
https:/
media/
Teen D
http://w
pressio
ssion
Exceptionality
Name
FASD Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum
disorder
Definition & AB
EDUC. Code
Definition:
-FASD is a variety
of physical
changes, and
neurological
and/or
psychometric
patterns of brain
damage associated
with fetal
exposure to
alcohol during
pregnancy.
-This brain
damage can result
in a range of
structural,
physiological,
learning and
behavior
disabilities in
individuals
Code:
-42 for more
severe
-44 for less
severe
Characteristics &
Observable
Behaviors
Characteristics:
-FASD is
characterized by
delayed growth,
intellectual and
behavioral disabilities,
and facial
characteristics.
-It is also
characterized
physiologically by a
high threshold for
pain, inability to feel
hunger or thirst,
difficulty perceiving
different
temperatures, and an
inability to balance.
-Three key features
evaluated in the
diagnosis: small eye
slit openings
(palpebral fissures),
flattened vertical
columns of the upper
lip (philtrum) and a
thin upper lip.
-FASD can also lead
to the diagnosis of
other learning
disabilities such as
ADHD.
-Students with FASD
commonly have
difficulty sequencing,
with memory,
difficulty
understanding cause
and effect
relationships, and they
have weaker
generalizing skills.
-FASD varies greatly
on a case to case basis
Behaviours:
-Can struggle with
distinguishing right
from wrong.
-Can be very daring,
Exceptionality
Name
ASDAutism Spectrum
Disorder
Definition and
Code
Definition:
-A student/child
with a severe
physical, medical
or neurological
disability,
including autism,
is one who:
a) has a medical
diagnosis of a
physical
disability,
b) specific
neurological
disorder or
medical condition
which creates a
significant impact
on the childs
ability to function
in the school
environment.
c) requires
extensive adult
assistance &
modifications to
the learning
environment in
order to benefit
from schooling.
Code:
-44
Characteristics &
Observable
Behaviors
-Difficulties in social
interaction, verbal &
nonverbal
communication &
repetitive behaviors.
-ASD can be
associated with
intellectual disability,
difficulties in motor
coordination &
attention & physical
health issues such as
sleep. Some persons
with ASD excel in
visual skills, music,
math and art.
-Preoccupation with
one specific interest
or object, so has
difficulty changing
topics.
-May rely on behavior
to communicate. Ex.
Use aggression or
destruction to
communicate that a
task is too difficult.
Teaching Strategies
-Provide visual support
to ensure students
understand schedules,
where to find class
materials &
expectations.
-Use visual
supplementation like
pictures and concrete
objects in addition to
oral instruction.
(Writing with Symbols
2000 is a word
processing program that
creates visuals to
correspond with words
typed).
-Use different colored
folders, binders or bins
for different subject
areas or tasks. Model or
illustrate what is
expected of students.
Create a sequence of
pictures to set out steps.
-Create kinesthetic
activities over paper
and pen activities.
-Reduce stimuli and
redirect students
attention. Mark areas of
classroom to be used for
certain activities (e.g.
quiet time, group work).
-Present only text you
want to read, instead of
a whole book. Highlight
keywords in the text.
-Develop & implement
consistent management
practices to disruptive
behavior.
Exceptionality
Name
Selective Mutism
Definition &
Code
Definition:
-Often linked
to an
underlying
anxiety
disorder.
-Children with
selective
mutism can
speak
normally in
certain
situations,
such as at
home or when
alone with
their parents.
However, they
may be unable
to speak in
other social
situations,
such as at
school or at
places outside
their home.
Code:
-53
Exceptionality
Teaching Strategies
Links
Name
ELL - English
Language
Learner
Or
ESL - English as
a Second
Language
Definition:
-students who first
learned to speak,
read, and/or write in a
language other than
English. Their
language proficiency
excludes those from
full participation in
learning experiences
provided in Alberta
schools.
-They often have
grown up in homes
where another
language is spoken,
or they have recently
immigrated to
Canada.
-ESL is used
interchangeably
with ELL (English
Language Learner).
Code:
-There is no
exceptionality code
for English Language
Learners.
Behaviors
-Some ELLs have no formal
education, such as refugee children,
so they may not be socialized in a
school setting.
-These students have significant
gaps in their learning and have had
limited opportunities to develop
age- appropriate language and
literacy skills.
-ELLs needs may extend beyond
schooling. They may have
experienced great difficulties, and
may still carry the burden of
separation and loss.
-Interpersonal communication skills
take about 2-3 years to develop.
Academic language proficiency can
take 5-7 years to fully develop.
-You need to identify the
proficiency of language to
accurately identify and assess the
students learning needs. This can
be done at:
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/
eslapb/
Exceptionality
Name
Gifted and
talented
Definition and
Code
Definition:
Characteristics &
Observable
Behaviors
Characteristics:
-Gifted or talented
exceptionalities are
difficult to define
because they are
expressed in a
variety of ways.
-Unusual alertness,
even in infancy
-Essentially, a child
diagnosed as gifted
or talented displays
advanced
achievement
beyond their years
in one or several
areas.
-Excellent memory
-Gifted students do
not always have
strengths in every
area indeed, some
may have learning
disabilities in
addition to their
area of giftedness:
these students are
known as twiceexceptional.
-Students may
experience social
and emotional
problems,
particularly during
their adolescent
years. Regardless,
their needs are just
as immediate and
real as other
exceptional
learners.
Code:
-80
-Unusually large
vocabulary and
complex sentence
structure for age
-Advanced
comprehension of
word nuances,
metaphors and
abstract ideas
-Enjoys solving
problems, especially
with numbers and
puzzles
-Often self-taught
reading and writing
skills as preschooler
-Thinking is abstract,
complex, logical, and
insightful
-Longer attention
span and intense
concentration
-Learn basic skills
quickly and with little
practice
-Asks probing
questions
Puts idea or things
together that are not
Teaching Strategies
Teaching strategies:
-Flexible Pacing Allow
students to move through
the curriculum at a different
rate.
-Alternative Learning
Environments There are
many examples of
alternative learning
environments, including:
cluster grouping pull-out
classes out-of-grade
placement seminars and
special projects
International Baccalaureate
(IB) Advanced Placement
(AP) Post-secondary
courses /dual enrollment.
Links
Alberta Education Links: Special Education Statistics:
http://education.alberta.ca/admin/supportingstudent/schoolleaders
/stats/bycode.aspx
Planning for Students who are Gifted:
https://education.alberta.ca/media/525558/ipp92.pdf Supporting
Every Student:
http://education.alberta.ca/admin/supportingstudent.aspx
Students who are Gifted:
http://education.alberta.ca/media/1234009/13_ch10%20gifted.pd
f
The Journey: A Handbook for Parents of Children Who are
Gifted and Talented:
https://education.alberta.ca/media/448831/journey.pdf IPP
http://www.greatpotentialpress.com
http://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/no-room-for-gifted-kids/
http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/my-childgifted/common-characteristics-gifted-individuals
http://www.nsgt.org/giftedness-defined/#1
Guide to implementation page 139-140
typical
-Desire to organize
people/things through
games or complex
schemas
Exceptionalit
y
Name
LD Learning
Disabled
Definition &
Code
Definition:
-Learning
disabilities include
various disorders
that may affect the
acquisition,
organization,
retention,
understanding, or
use of verbal or
non-verbal
information.
-Learning
disabilities range
in severity and
interfere with the
acquisition and
use of oral
language, reading,
writing, and
problem solving.
-Learning
disabilities affect a
person all day, not
just at school.
Code:
Characteristics &
Observable
Behaviors
-Individual students
with a learning
disability can have
very different profiles.
Teaching Strategies
-Avoid sarcasm and
rhetorical questions
Links
F.A.T city workshop Richard Lavoie
Coursepack Chapter 1
-LD often
encompasses cooccurring conditions
that can include
problems in listening,
concentrating,
speaking, reading,
writing, reasoning,
math, or social
interaction.
-Learning disabilities
are due to genetic,
other congenital and/or
acquired neurobiological factors and
can also appear in
association with such
medical conditions as
sensory impairments,
or other disabilities
such as
communication
disorders and
emotional behavioral
disorders.
-54
Some examples
include:
dyslexia severe
impairment of a
students ability to
read and spell
dysgraphia
characterized by
difficulties in
handwriting, spelling,
or composition
dyscalculia
impairment of the
ability to pick
appropriate strategies
for mathematics
disnomia word
binding problems
-Students with LD can
also experience
difficulties retrieving
academic and
everyday information.
-Learning disabilities
may also cause
difficulties with
organizational skills,
social perception, and
social interaction.
Exceptionality
Definition & Code
Characteristics &
Teaching Strategies
Name
Observable Behaviors
EBD Emotional
Definition:
-Characteristics which
-Specifically identify the
http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_cent
Behavioral
identify an individual as
behavior which needs to
_resources/info_to_go/educate_child
Disorder
having a behavior disorders
be changed.
%283_to_21%29/students_with_dis
-Many terms are
(including ADHD,
are demonstrated in a variety
Create a baseline of the
ehavioral_disorders.html
used to describe
ODD, CD)
of
settings,
with
little
observed
behavior.
emotional,
consideration or
Closely examine the
Canadian Mental Health Association
behavioral or
understanding
of
social
or
information
in
the
mental disorders.
cultural rules.
baseline and evaluate
Alberta Education diverse learning n
what has been observed
-a condition
-Disrupts classroom activities
and documented
Canlearn society take 10
exhibiting one or
more of the
following
characteristics
over a long period
of time and to a
marked degree
that adversely
affects a child's
educational
performance
-An inability to
learn that cannot
be explained by
intellectual,
sensory, or health
factors
-An inability to
build or maintain
satisfactory
interpersonal
relationships with
peers and teachers
-A general
pervasive mood of
unhappiness or
depression
-A tendency to
develop physical
symptoms or fears
-Impulsive
-Inattentive, distractible,
preoccupied
-Does not follow or appear to
care about classroom rules
-Resistance to change and
transitions in routines
-Often speaks out with
irrelevant information or
without regard to turn taking
rules
-Demonstrates aggressive
behavior
-Intimidates and bullies other
students
-consistently blames others
for their dishonesty
-Difficulty working in groups
-Cannot apply social rules
related to others personal
space and belongings
-Often manipulative of
situations
associated with
personal or school
factors.
-Prepare hands-on
activities and activities
that involve movement
Code:
-ADHD isnt
coded
-Use positive
reinforcement with all
students