Module 1Causes of Disabilities &

Conditions

Special Education 501:Development & Characteristics

of Children and Youth with Disabilities

Warm-Up Activity

Labels are used extensively despite the potential negative consequences.

Discuss the rationale for labeling people with disabilities.

Causes of DisabilitiesGeneticPre-natalPeri-natalPost-natalEnvironmental

Causes of Disabilities

Genetic• Biochemical disorders

and chromosomal abnormalities

Pre-natal anoxia (premature separation of the placenta)

o Severe anemiao Heart condition of

the mothero Rh factor

incompatibilityo Rubella contracted

by the mother during the first trimester of pregnancy

Causes of Disabilities

Peri-natal Conditions that

may affect the child during or immediately preceding birth

o Birth injurieso Asphyxiao Prematurity

Post-natalo Malnutritiono Accidental physical

trauma (to the brain)

o Childhood abuse and neglect

o Diseases and infections

Causes of Disabilities

The children experiencing learning difficulties have simply not received the necessary experiential and cultural prerequisites such as social and educational stimulation.

Causes of Disabilities

The early medical, nutritional, social and educational needs of children must be satisfied in order to maximize their opportunities for healthy development.

Causes of Disabilities

The sooner the etiological factors are arrested or ameliorated, the less profound the disability.

Language Development

Language & intellectual competence are closely intertwined

Often accompanying immature language are such immature thought processes as delayed discrimination and reasoning skills

Language Development

Severe language delay or inadequacy is the most significant single behavioral sign indicating a young child’s need for special help in order to succeed in school

SocializationSocialization depends on experiences with language and communication

SocializationThe ability to abstract the essence of experiences and the urge and power to express complex thoughts and feelings are uniquely human.

SocializationAlong with language skills, the child usually begins to deal with abstractions and begins to use symbolization in more complex ways.

Secondary Level

The Secondary Level

The following characteristics are found in many students at the secondary level, namely low academic performance.

The Secondary Level

1. Demonstrated in reading performance, written expression, and mathematics skills

2. Plateau of basic skill development3. Often experience deficiencies in study

skills areas4. Ineffective use of strategic behaviors

necessary for academic success5. Social skills deficits6. Considered at-risk for high school drop-

out

Domains of Adulthood

• Physical/Emotional Health

• Personal responsibility and relationships

• Leisure pursuits• Employment/

education• Community

involvement

Programming for Low Incidence Disabilities

Academic content masteryTeaching general education content

RemediationBasic skills, social skills training

Programming for Low Incidence Disabilities

MaintenanceLearning strategies, tutorial

Post-Secondary outcomesVocational, life skills

Programming for Low Incidence Disabilities

• Preparation for post-secondary education and to function independently as adults

• Must be accepted as part of the inclusive environment

Programming for Severe & Profound Disabilities

Characterized as having substantial functional limitations

Individuals in this group may have mental, physical, and/or other emotional and behavioral problems of such a degree that they require extensive supports

Programming for Severe & Profound Disabilities

The most important curricular issue for this group is the need to teach basic daily living skills such as self-care, communication, functional academics, socialization, and leisure/recreational skills

Programming for Severe & Profound Disabilities

• Use a variety of training procedures• Provide instruction in community-

based settings• Maintain skill acquisition by

employing naturally occurring events• Program for generalization of skills

Wrap-Up ActivityThe Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990 is the most sweeping civil rights legislation in the United States since the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Discuss how the law defines eligible persons with a disability, and describe the overall purpose of the Act.