Tip to Support Individuals with Special Needs by Disability and Age group
(ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
*use visual supports for all tasks or responsibilities
*organizer for everything
*be specific about what is important
*color code key information
*have the individual to repeat and demonstrate task immediately (provide corrections for errors)
(SLD) Specific Learning Disabilities
*specific needs may vary according to the processing deficits
*provide visual, auditory, and tactile supports/options for a tasks
*determine strengths in sensory areas
*place the primary focus on the development of strengths rather than solely on weaknesses
(AU) Autism spectrum disorders
*use visual supports even for fluent readers
*prep for changes particularly those that are unexpected
*use visual schedules
*provide sensory support
(MR) Mental Retardation (this title varies from state to state)
*limit directions to 1-2 steps
*teach all skills for expected tasks (do not make assumptions that child understands or clearly interrupted your expectations)
*start teaching independent skills early because skills take longer to develop to a level of independence
*allow problem solving opportunities
*allow the learner to make decisions between two preset options Preschool
*read to child daily (for as long as the child maintains interest in the story)
*discuss the pictures
*learn full name
*start potty routine (be consistent)
*start daily routines to prepare for school
*use a timer for transitions
*structure a section of the day to support school transition
Elementary
*set bedtime routines
*set morning routines
*develop specific homework plan
*read daily (read to the child even after they become a fluent reader)
*point out learning opportunities everywhere
Middle/high school
*identify personal strengths and patterns
*develop creative outlets
*begin thinking about how to earn money for a living fro areas of interest
*determine what needs to happen to create a productive life
*begin early
*begin money matters lessons
Post-high school
*implement homeliving needs
*begin volunteer or work experiences
*seek additional training
*consider living arrangements
*develop daily schedule for full wellness
*create at least one social circle
Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
*use visual supports for all tasks or responsibilities
*organizer for everything
*be specific about what is important
*color code key information
*have the individual to repeat and demonstrate task immediately (provide corrections for errors)
(SLD) Specific Learning Disabilities
*specific needs may vary according to the processing deficits
*provide visual, auditory, and tactile supports/options for a tasks
*determine strengths in sensory areas
*place the primary focus on the development of strengths rather than solely on weaknesses
(AU) Autism spectrum disorders
*use visual supports even for fluent readers
*prep for changes particularly those that are unexpected
*use visual schedules
*provide sensory support
(MR) Mental Retardation (this title varies from state to state)
*limit directions to 1-2 steps
*teach all skills for expected tasks (do not make assumptions that child understands or clearly interrupted your expectations)
*start teaching independent skills early because skills take longer to develop to a level of independence
*allow problem solving opportunities
*allow the learner to make decisions between two preset options Preschool
*read to child daily (for as long as the child maintains interest in the story)
*discuss the pictures
*learn full name
*start potty routine (be consistent)
*start daily routines to prepare for school
*use a timer for transitions
*structure a section of the day to support school transition
Elementary
*set bedtime routines
*set morning routines
*develop specific homework plan
*read daily (read to the child even after they become a fluent reader)
*point out learning opportunities everywhere
Middle/high school
*identify personal strengths and patterns
*develop creative outlets
*begin thinking about how to earn money for a living fro areas of interest
*determine what needs to happen to create a productive life
*begin early
*begin money matters lessons
Post-high school
*implement homeliving needs
*begin volunteer or work experiences
*seek additional training
*consider living arrangements
*develop daily schedule for full wellness
*create at least one social circle