Part 1: Definitions, Incidence, Identification - Social Disabilities (Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders)
IDEA/Law Definitions:
Definitions of disability terms. The terms used in this definition of a child with a disability are defined as follows: (1)
(i) Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Other characteristics often associated with autism are engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines, and unusual responses to sensory experiences.
(ii) Autism does not apply if a child's educational performance is adversely affected primarily because the child has an emotional disturbance, as defined in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
(iii) A child who manifests the characteristics of autism after age three could be identified as having autism if the criteria in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section are satisfied.
(i) Emotional Disturbance means a condition 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:
(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.
(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.
(D) General pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.
(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.
(ii) Emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance under paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section.
Information retrieved from: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,regs,300,A,300%252E8,
Emotional/ Behavioral Disorders: Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as follows: "...a condition 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
- Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances
- A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
- A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school factors.
-[Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]
As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(ii)]
Information retrieved from:
Individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders have one of two kinds of behavioral patterns.
- The first is identified as an externalizing behavior, which describes behaviors directed outwardly aiming at the external environment. Also known as under-controlled behaviors, these behaviors include actions of defiance, noncompliance, aggression, and argumentation (Hinshaw, 1992).
- The other kind of behavioral patterns are internalizing behavior; this is the complete opposite of the first behavioral pattern as the behavior is inwardly directed at the individual themselves. Also known as over-controlled behaviors, these are shown through social withdrawal, anxiety, depression and shyness. (Walker & Severson, 1990).
Information retrieved from:
http://mlnessresourcefile.wikispaces.com/file/view/risk%2520and%2520prot.%2520factors(cooke).pdf
Videos:
Below is a video which helps to better describe the definition of Autism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5IncKjPDMw
Below is a video which helps to better describe Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn9wxOr4ofs
Functional Definitions:
Functional definition of disabilities describes how this disability will have an impact on the classroom through the student’s abilities and challenges.
Information retrieved from: https://mycourses.rit.edu/d2l/le/content/490007/viewContent/2841945/View
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
Functional/Academics characteristics and challenges that help to describe and identify an individual are disruptive classroom behaviors such as:
- impulsivity
- disregard for classroom rules or safety.
- easily distracted
- inattentive
- preoccupied
- not concentrated during class
These individuals typically have difficulty and conflict with: transitions in routines, social skills like turn taking and off topic comments during a conversation, aggressive behaviors, and issues with them bullying other students, and blame others for their dishonesty.
Other classroom characteristics these students being frequently absent from class, having a low self-esteem, difficulty working in groups, self-injury behaviors, lack of understanding a person’s personal space and sense of belongings, attempts to manipulate a situation, etc.
Information retrieved from:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a descriptive umbrella term breaks down into five different diagnostic categories. Despite some similarities in areas of impairment, each category does have unique characteristics and diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic categories within ASD are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Rett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Of these five disorders, autism, Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD-NOS are the most common; Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) are much less common and present differently than the other ASDs but the characteristics and educational concerns are similar to those of students with ASD and may benefit from the same practices .
There are three major areas of development that are impacted from ASD:
- social interactions, such as pragmatics
- communication and all the various aspects and processes that go along with it
- restrictive, repetitive, and stereotypical patterns of behavior
Information retrieved from:
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: Research has indicated that students with emotional or behavioral disabilities may function two or more years below grade level in reading, math, writing, and spelling (Lane, 2004; Reid, Gonzalez, Nordness, Trout, & Epstein, 2004; see the Research Highlight feature).
For example: if students have severe anxieties, they may be unable to attend, listen, and learn in school. Some students lack social skills that are necessary for school success (Kavale, Mathur, & Mostert, 2004). Others may exhibit severe deficiencies in metacognitive skills, memory skills, and attention, which may in turn lead to academic underachievement (Montague, Fiore, Hocutt, McKinney, & Harris, 1996).
Students with emotional disturbance are at risk for dropping out of school, hindering their future life possibilities. Nevertheless, some students with emotional or behavioral disabilities attain average, or even above-average academic achievement.
Information retrieved from: http://www.education.com/reference/article/emotional-disturbance/?page=2
Incidence:
Emotional Disturbance: Individuals with emotional disturbance are found to be one of the top three mild disabilities with high-incidences that are being serviced in the United States today; specific learning disabilities and the intellectual disability Down’s syndrome are the other two disabilities with high-incidence rates.
Information retrieved from: http://www.sagepub.com/gargiulo4emedia/study/chapters/handbook/handbook8.1.pdf
Emotional/Behavioral problems are found to be among the most prevalent chronic health conditions of childhood.
Information retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr048.pdf
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders: According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 8.3 million children (14.5%) aged 4–17 years have parents who’ve talked with a health care provider or school staff about the child’s emotional or behavioral difficulties. Nearly 2.9 million children have been prescribed medication for these difficulties.
Information retrieved from: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/Disabilities/services%20to%20children%20with%20disabilities/disabilities/disabl_fts_00012_061105.html
Autism: About 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. [Read article]
ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
ASD is almost 5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189). [Read article]
Studies in Asia, Europe, and North America have identified individuals with ASD with an average prevalence of about 1%. A study in South Korea reported a prevalence of 2.6%. [Data table ] [Read article]
About 1 in 6 children in the United States had a developmental disability in 2006-2008, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism. [Read summary]
Information retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
Identification:
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
There are eight domineering characteristics:
- The inability to start and maintain interpersonal relationships with people.
- This is due to the individual’s lack of trust, excessive use of dependence and control over others, issues with social awareness and abilities, need for attention and approval, can be overly affectionate and/or inappropriate in a sexual manner, and many more.
- This is due to the individual’s lack of trust, excessive use of dependence and control over others, issues with social awareness and abilities, need for attention and approval, can be overly affectionate and/or inappropriate in a sexual manner, and many more.
- Inappropriate behavioral responses in normal situations.
- This can be viewed as laughing or crying at unsuitable situation and settings, cheating, lying or stealing, tendency to overact to certain situations, hard time changing and transitioning, and many more.
- This can be viewed as laughing or crying at unsuitable situation and settings, cheating, lying or stealing, tendency to overact to certain situations, hard time changing and transitioning, and many more.
- Pervasive unhappiness, depression, or anxiety.
- This can be shown through their actions like loss of interest, pessimistic, self-critical, talks about suicide, and many more.
- This can be shown through their actions like loss of interest, pessimistic, self-critical, talks about suicide, and many more.
- Physical symptoms, pains and fears associated with personal or school problems.
- These are demonstrated by physical complaints during stressful times, excessive abcents or tardiness in school, self-manipulating, eating disorders, strange sleeping and eating patterns, poor hygiene and self-care, etc.
- These are demonstrated by physical complaints during stressful times, excessive abcents or tardiness in school, self-manipulating, eating disorders, strange sleeping and eating patterns, poor hygiene and self-care, etc.
- The inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory or other health factors.
- These factors are revealed through issues with retaining information, achievement scores and IQ scores are not comparable, quits and gives up too easily, not organized, and more.
- These factors are revealed through issues with retaining information, achievement scores and IQ scores are not comparable, quits and gives up too easily, not organized, and more.
- Extreme withdrawal from social interactions; they do this by isolation themselves.
- They refuse to participate with the class, avoids eye contact and keeps head down, runs away, and more.
- They refuse to participate with the class, avoids eye contact and keeps head down, runs away, and more.
- Extreme aggressiveness; shown though physical and verbal ways.
- Physical aggression is done by kicking, spitting, biting, pinching, hitting, vandalism, bullying, cruelty to animals, display or use of weapons, destruction of things, etc. Verbal aggression is done by swearing, threatening, arguments, name calling, belittling, challenging, etc.
- Physical aggression is done by kicking, spitting, biting, pinching, hitting, vandalism, bullying, cruelty to animals, display or use of weapons, destruction of things, etc. Verbal aggression is done by swearing, threatening, arguments, name calling, belittling, challenging, etc.
- Inappropriate behaviors that are extremely opposite from that of children with similar age, ability, educational experiences and opportunities that the child or other children in a regular or special education program are negatively affected.
- These can vary greatly from hallucinations and a distorted reality to overly social and emotional maturity. Extreme reactions that can go either way of really high to really low as well as not being accepted by peers are two other examples as well.
E/B Disorders Summary:
The student’s behavior, emotional and/or social competence does not need to be defined or point out which social disability an individual may have.
The student may have needs in any or all of these areas.
A main point to remember is that the underlying issues are not communication disorder, cognitive limitations, or learning problems but the student may have an academic deficit due to underlying social, emotional and/or behavioral issues. This concept has not changed.
Information retrieved from: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/files/sped/pdf/ebdguide.pdf
If a student demonstrates behaviors listed above, they may be considered to have a behavior disorder. A psychologist or behavior specialist helps to provide appropriate diagnosis for individual through the use of observations and checklist of characteristics the individual is displaying.
Information retrieved from: http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_center/information_and_resources/info_to_go/educate_children_(3_to_21)/students_with_disabilities/emotionalbehavioral_disorders.html
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Impact three areas of development:
(1) language and communication skills
(2) social skills
(3) behavior, interests, and activities.
Many children with ASDs are identified in the elementary school years.
But children do not develop ASDs when they are four, six or eight years old; the indicators are likely present earlier.
Early identification of ASDs requires attention to behaviors the child is not exhibiting at all or is not doing as frequently as expected at that age.
Indicators of possible ASDs in very young children:
- 6 months: no big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
- 9 months: no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
- 12 months: no babbling by 12 months of age. No displays of back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, waving or three-pronged gaze (e.g., child looks at adult, looks at toy to indicate interest in it, looks back at adult to communicate something about the toy) by 12 months
- 16 months: no words
- 24 months: no two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating)
- Any age: Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills (Rogers, 2001; Travis & Sigman, 2000)
One of the most reliable characteristics that differentiate children with ASDs from their typically-developing and otherwise delayed peers, even at 12 months, is that:
- the child does not respond consistently to his or her name (assuming that hearing is normal).
Several indicators that are not reliable in differentiating ASDs in early childhood include
- weak attachment to caregivers
- having routines
- lack of eye contact
- lack of functional play
- unusual sensory behaviors (e.g., sensitivity to touch).
When considering any of the above, especially for a disorder as complicated as an ASD, it is important that one does not conclude that a child has an ASD until a full evaluation has been completed.
In older children, identification often results from the presence of excessive behaviors.
That is, an older child is identified because he or she is doing something that is atypical in one or more of the three areas:
- repeating certain phrases over and over, acting aggressively
- memorizing textbooks
- having difficulty with transitions
Among the possible indicators in older children are:
- failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
- appropriate language skills, but not using language in a socially appropriate way (e.g., impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation)
- stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
- preoccupation with an interest that is abnormal in its intensity or focus
- inflexibility, with a “need” for nonfunctional routines or rituals.
ASD summary, identification with older children often results from the presence of excessive behaviors, while in younger children it’s more often the absence of behaviors that differentiates children with ASDs from those who are typically-developing or generally delayed in development.
Information retrieved from: http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/193/over4.html
Video:
Below is a video describing characteristics about Autism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-liQ3n6LE0
Below is a video describing characteristics about Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
Contributors:
Lead Name: _Rachel Lowry______
Non Lead, Primary Evaluator Name: __Anna Kammen___
Non Lead, Secondary Evaluator Name: __Chelsea Powers__
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #1, Group/Individuals: ______________Disabilities
Name 1: _______________ Name 2: ________________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: ______________
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #2, Group/Individuals: Physical Disabilities
Name 1: Mindy Brightman Name 2: _______________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: ______________
Comment: The first section seems to work just fine. Would be nice if there were more pictures, as to identify each diability just like the one with Emotional Behavioral Disorder, could you do the same for autism and ADHD? The page seems to be somewhat plain, colorify it or something! 
Otherwise, you're doing a great job!! Mindy
Teaching Strategies
Social stories are one way of teaching children about an activity or event, what will happen, and how to respond. It is a method of preparing the child for a particular event and showing them what is an appropriate response. This website provides information regarding social stories and how to use them and create them on your own.
In addition Socialmovies were created in order to reach a broader audience. The video (see link below) for Socialmovies describes how they are beneficial.
The Autism School Community Tool Kit found on Autism Speaks offers a variety of teaching strategies and therapies that can be used with children in addition to general information.
This document could not be uploaded due to its size; however, it can be found on the Autism Speaks website: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits
Szymanski's article titled "Managing Behavior By Managing The Classroom: Making Learning Accessible For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students With Autism Sprectrum Disorders" discusses various tips and strategies for working with Deaf students with ASD in the classroom. The following is a summary of these tips.
NICHY has a fact sheet with 8 tips for teachers working with students with ED. The tips are as follows:
1) Learn more about the student's specific mental health disturbance.
2) Learn more about the student's strengths, too.
3) Remember, they're kids first.
4) Support the student's inclusion.
5) Set clear behavioral rules and expectations for the entire class.
6) Provide accommodations.
7) Join the student's IEP team and help shape his or her special education program.
8) Communicate with the student's parents.
Check out the PDF below for additional information:
Teaching Students with Emotional Disturbances
Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
General Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
- Provide five-minute and one-minute warning when activities are almost finished
- Consider having a board where changes to the schedule are located–this will make the students aware that a change is occurring
- Provide a space in the classroom that is stimuli-free to aid overwhelmed students
- Communicate daily with parents–be sure to include challenges and triumphs!
- Consider utilizing rewards for positive behaviors
- Keep track of challenging behaviors–from beginning to end!
- Use three-step prompt sequence when giving directions–tell child, show child, assist child
Information from: Szymanski's article titled "Managing Behavior By Managing The Classroom: Making Learning Accessible For Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students With Autism Sprectrum Disorders" (see article under teaching strategies)
UDL
Universal design is an inclusionary approach to education. Ronald Mace is the man who began on the path to providing inclusionary measures for all rather than distinct accommodations for one. Although he started with architecture in mind facilities, technology, and instruction can all follow this principle. Universal Design for Learning is one topic in education. CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) was created to promote the use of technology to aid all individuals. It includes three essential qualities of UDL: “(a) curriculum that provides multiple means of representation; (b) curriculum that provides multiple means of expression; and (c) curriculum that provides multiple means of engagement” (Shaw, McGuire, & Scott, 2006, pg. 169). This organization provides tool for teachers on how they can incorporate technology into the classroom to make learning accessible for all. The article goes on to further describe other aspects of universal design as they can be applied in the classroom.
Shaw, S. F., Mcguire, J. M., & Scott, S. S. (2006). Universal design and its applications in educational environments. Remedial and Special Education, 27(3), 166-175. doi:10.1177/07419325060270030501
http://www.do2learn.com/index.htm
This website offers a variety of strategies and resources for creating a classroom that emphasizes UDL. There are many printables and pictures to be used with children. It also offers tips, activities, and strategies for working with children with specific disabilities.
This website consists of information regarding CAST, UDL, learning tools, professional development opportunities and much more. It has a plethora of information on how to create a classroom for all students to succeed. The resources available are vast and this website is a starting point for gathering more information.
This website/blog is about inclusion and including all students. There are resources for books to read, differentiating instruction, inclusive settings, literacy, etc.
Developmental Needs - K-12
Children with a disability that falls under the category of social disabilities, including autism and emotional disturbance, have needs that must be met in the classroom in order for that child to succeed.
Communication: There is a varying degree of communication dependent upon the disability. It is important to be aware that children may be less likely to participate because of their ability to communicate. Communication may be addressed in a variety of ways which may include utilizing ASL, picture boards, etc.
In the classroom: Ensure that there are opportunities for participation from all students. Be aware of how each child communicates. Create a standard procedure for sharing information so all students have the opportunity to do so.
Socialization: Students with ASD may have trouble with eye contact, conversing with peers, understanding the emotional states of others, etc. Students with ED may also have trouble conversing with peers. These students are prone to acting out, may be more impulsive, and may not seem to want to follow the rules.
In the classroom: Ensure that there are rules in the classroom and follow through on consequences. Focus on emotions and have students practice labelling their own emotions as well as others.
Behaviors: Students may be repetitive in their movements. There may be sensitivity issues to certain textures, actions, etc. Students may also have fixations on certain things. Children with ED may also have anxiety or other disorders including depression which may impact their behaviors in school.
In the classroom: Create a classroom that students are comfortable in. Encourage hands-on activities to allow the child to learn in different ways and use stimuli to learn. Target behaviors such as taking turns, raising your hand, following directions, etc. and teach them to the class. Utilize an FBA/BIP if necessary to alleviate poor behaviors and replace them with appropriate behaviors. Use positive reinforcement when appropriate behaviors are implemented. Create a space in the classroom that is free of excessive stimuli for children who need to calm down and relax throughout the day.
Information found at do2learn.com
Suggestions for Working with Parents
General Information
- Involve parents as much as possible
- Ensure that parents have all of the information they need.
- This is a guide for parents regarding the IEP process
- Provide useful web resources:
- http://www.raisingdeafkids.org/special/autism Parents can get general information about how to help their child.
- http://www.deafnotes.com/ Parents can get support from other parents by looking at these forums and interacting with others.
- http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/ Parents can use this website to receive information about mental illnesses related to emotional disturbances.
- Here is a 100 Day Kit from Autism Speaks for families to get the information they need after a child is diagnosed.
- Here is a Parent's Guide on ABA from Autism Speaks
Classroom Settings
Contributors:
Lead Name: __Chelsea Powers____
Non Lead, Primary Evaluator Name: _Rachel Lowry_____
Non Lead, Secondary Evaluator Name: ___Anna Kammen____
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #1, Group/Individuals: ______________Disabilities
Name 1: _______________ Name 2: ________________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: ______________
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #2, Group/Individuals: ______________Disabilities
Name 1: Jonathan MacDonald Name 2: _______________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: _______________
Jon's feedback
Resources for Teacher:
color needed to set categorical space; teaching strategies, classroom accommodations and modifications
bold terms to make that “stand-out” loud and clear throughout the WIKI
I really like the NICHY part. Good finding. You should color each individual point or all of them in a single color. Bold each “important” term such as bolding specific mental health disturbance, strengths, kids first, inclusion, and so on.
Inclusion
Pros and Cons: Inclusion for Deaf Students
Benefits of Inclusion for Deaf Students
1.Deaf students interact with the hearing world- Through daily interaction with the hearing world, deaf students are able to develop skills in communicating with those who can hear. This exposure can be powerful training for students as they prepare for communicating in the hearing world.
2. Deaf students become socialized with the hearing world- While the deaf community has developed a strong culture of its own, it is important that deaf students also learn how to operate in the hearing world. By having daily interactions with his/her hearing peers, the student is able to develop important social skills that will be useful in the future.
3. Deaf students have access to academic, vocational and extracurricular programs- By participating with the hearing world, deaf students gain access to a wide range of resources that can help the student develop physically, socially, academically, and emotionally.
4. Deaf students can live close to home—In order to attend a school for the deaf, some students must live at the school because it is too far from their home. By attending a local school, that student can live at home and receive the important support from his/her family and friends.
Risks of Inclusion for Deaf Students
1. Deaf students run a high risk of isolation—If the teacher and/or students are not trained in sign language and other methods to engage and interact with deaf students in a general education classroom, then the deaf student runs high risk of feeling isolated in the classroom. Not only can this be emotionally detrimental for the deaf student, but this could also mean that he/she will miss out on important learning and skill development.
2.Deaf students may have limited opportunities for direct instruction-When a deaf student is included into an general education class, this usually means that he/she is receiving instruction through a translator. Again, this can have serious implications for the student’s development.
3. Deaf students may have limited opportunities for direct interaction to build relationships—Not only is a student’s learning limited by the lack of direct interaction and instruction form a teacher, but the student may also be unable to directly communicate with other providers at the school. This can limit the amount of support a student receives inside and outside the classroom.
4. School setting may lack quality support staff—Many school districts lack a sufficient number of qualified, trained support staff who can serve deaf students. (The Special Ed WIKI)
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Children with ASD will most likely need some accommodation in the classroom. The link below includes many strategies for classroom inclusion:
- Inclusion strategies for students with autism spectrum disorders
Autism-SupportingAutisticStudentsInInclusionSettings.flv
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
There are many misconceptions related to the inclusion of students with emotional disabilities in the regular classroom. The site below describes effective inclusion strategies and why common notions relating to students with emotional disorders are untrue.
Meeting The Challenge of Inclusion For Students With Emotional Disabilities
Placement Options
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Many schools exist with programs specifically for Deaf Autistic children. One example is the Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, which houses the William Center Deaf Autism Program. This program has a 1:1 ratio for students and teachers.
Other programs and resources about autism can be found by clicking on the map below and then clicking on a state:
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
The link below will provide a list and description of all residential programs available:
Residential Programs for Deaf/Emotionally Disturbed Children and Adolescents
Articles on Emotional Disturbance and Deafness
Suggestions for Working with Teachers
It is important when working with teachers to let them know what you have found that works best for your child and also pay attention to their ideas, because they have seen your child in a different setting.
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Children with ASD need to begin an early intervention program as soon as possibly after a diagnosis is made. Below are links to pages that explain several teaching and intervention methods for children with ASD, they can both be modified for deaf and hard of hearing children.
Useful forms for requesting services for your child
Here is a link to a video teacher's guide to supporting students with Deafness and ASD:
Supporting Students with a Dual Diagnosis of Deafness and Autism Spectrum Disorder -- Part 1
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
According to Gallaudet University's Clerc Center, "Teaching strategies for these students should be based on changing the behavior itself. The system is often centered on discouraging the unwanted behavior and rewarding/encouraging the desired behavior.
- Specifically identify the behavior which needs to be changed.
- Create a baseline of the observed behavior.
- Closely examine the information in the baseline and evaluate what has been observed and documented
- Develop short and long term goals for the student. In the plan create a reward system to be used. Such as: give student a check mark for every 15 minutes behavior is appropriate. When the student receives 8 checks they may have 10 minutes of computer time.
- Reevaluate the plan for effectiveness. Has the behavior reduced occurrence in a variety of settings?
- Make modifications in the behavior plan to reinforce the desired outcome."
Developmental Needs/Preschool - 12th grade
Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Below are some types of ASD:
Some common characteristics of children with ASD:
A wonderful resource and way to find support in raising a Deaf child with ASD is by connecting with the organization, Deaf Autism America. They provide many resources for parents.
Below are a few articles that illustrate what a parent of a Deaf child with ASD can expect when raising their child.
- Susan Wiley, Samantha Gustafson, and Justin Rozniak Needs of Parents of Children Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing With Autism Spectrum DisorderJ. Deaf Stud. Deaf Educ. 2014 19: 40-49.
- Susan Wiley, Samatha Gustafson, and Justin Rozniak conducted a study to gain an understanding of children with autism who are also deaf/hard of hearing and the needs of their families. The study included four parents with a variety of communication strategies for their children. They found that these parents used the internet often to connect with those in similar situations and to find information, because professional expertise is limited on the subject and can be hard to find. They also learned that functional living and everyday life skills were a high priority to parents, and academic skills were not seen as essential in the same way. Parents wanted more accessible information for raising their children and less of a commute for specialized instruction for their children. Due to a lack of standard effective evaluation tools for these children, the families studied felt that the care for their children was not enough or not appropriate for their child. This study is a beginning to understanding the needs of these families and what can be done to meet these needs.
- Meinzen-Derr, Jareen (01/01/2014). Autism spectrum disorders in 24 children who are deaf or hard of hearing. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. , 78 (1), p. 112 - 8.
- This study looked at 24 children with ASD and hearing loss. It was found that children with hearing loss and ASD are diagnosed much later than children with one or the other. The first signs of ASD are much more likely to be attributed to hearing loss initially. The study urges that children with hearing loss and communication delays should be evaluated much earlier and more often for ASD. It may also occur the other way that ASD is diagnosed and hearing loss is overlooked until later because communication delays are expected for children with ASD. The article also found that children with cochlear implants were much more likely to have ASD diagnosed early because they were more closely monitored for language progression.
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- Article: Deaf, autistic child like other boys "He plays like any other 9-year-old boy. He jumps on a trampoline, wrestles with his older brother, Matthew, and plays with a circuitry game..."
- A site of questions from parents about Deafness and answers from professionals around the world: Educating Deaf Children
- Below is an exceptional resource which has an overview of developmental expectations for Deaf children with ASD, current developments in educational fields, language tips, and much more.
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders:
Information relating to oppositional defiant disorder in deaf children:
A site of questions from parents about Deafness and answers from professionals around the world: Educating Deaf Children
Be aware that Deaf children’s emotional development differs from that of hearing children. Communication issues may be the root cause of many problem behaviors. Below are some resources to help deal with difficult behaviors.
Behavior Charts for Home and School
There are common academic characteristics that may influence a child's experience in the classroom. To see a basic list of behaviors that can occur, click below.
Contributors:
Lead Name: _Anna Kammen_____
Non Lead, Primary Evaluator Name: _Chelsea Powers____
Non Lead, Secondary Evaluator Name: __Rachel Lowry_______
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #1, Group/Individuals: Sensory Disabilities
Name 1: Jill Croakman Name 2: ________________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: ______________
Feedback Part 3 from Jill Croakman to Anna Kammen: The only suggestion I have is possibly adding one or two more placement options for students with other emotional disturbance behaviors, as well as briefly describe the educational environment/classroom setting. I was told to do this to my part and I feel that it really added to it in that someone could get a visual image of what these types of placement options would look like for these students. Other than that addition, everything in your part looks great. I can tell you spent some time on this and your links are very informative and useful for other references. Great job Anna 
I have learned a lot from your part of this page!
Peer Eval (Other Group feedback) #2, Group/Individuals: ______________Disabilities
Name 1: _______________ Name 2: _______________ Name 3: _______________ Name 4: _______________
Checklist Section #1:
- Part 1 IDEA definitions:
- Part 1 Functional definitions
- Part 1 Incidence
- Part 1 Identification
- # Research Summaries: Date: _________ Number so far: ____________ 10 required across three sections)
- # Links: Date: _________ Number so far: ____________ (10 required across all three sections)
- # videos: Date: _________ Number so far: ____________ (minimum one required in each section)
Checklist Section #2:
- Part 2 Teaching strategies:
- Part 2 Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
- Universal Design
- Developmental Needs/Preschool-Grade 12
- Working with Parents
- # Research Summaries: Date: __4/15___ Number so far: ___3___ (10 required across all three sections)
- # Links: Date: __4/8___ Number so far: ____9______ (10 required across all three sections)
- # videos: Date: ___4/8___ Number so far: ____4_______ (minimum one required in each section)
Checklist Section #3:
- Section 3 Inclusion:
- Placement Options
- Development from Preschool - Grade 12
- Working with Teachers
- # Research Summaries: Date: __4/2/14_____ Number so far: _____3_______ (10 required across all three sections)
- # Links: Date: __1/2/14_____ Number so far: ____21____ (10 required across all three sections)
- # videos: Date: ___1/2/14____ Number so far: ____1_____ (minimum one required in each section)
Overall Requirements:
- Holistic understanding of students with these disabilities?
Attention to ASL/Signed, SIMCOM/Total Communication, and Oral settings and placement options? - All sources are properly cited
- All sources are trustworthy and of high quality?
Relevant files/documents here:
11 Comments
RACHEL LOWRY
Chelsea, I am the non-lead primary elevator for your section. I know you received an extension for your section due to family matter and that you have not fully finished but I will still give you some brief comments of things you can add that may help you for when you start up again. First, the majority of your information is all about ASD so you should add the same information for emotional and behavioral disabilities (like emotional disturbance) as well. Second, I love the section about Universal design. From all the readings we have done in class on UDL it is very important and was a good section to add with lots of different section and links that you have to promote that. I would add some more in Teaching strategies and classroom accommodations as well. All that you have so far is great! - Rachel Lowry
Chelsea Powers
Hi Anna, I am the non-lead primary evaluator for your section. Under the “Inclusion” section you have some great information. Maybe move the link to the Special Education wiki underneath so people are aware that is where you found all of the information not just that bullet? Also, in that section under ASD, I couldn’t open the second hyperlink on my computer. (Not sure if it’s just my computer or what) Under “Placement Options” it discusses residential placements, possibly see if there are any resources for other placement options? Otherwise, all of your information looks great. I really like the drop down buttons to see more resources and the pictures that you click on to take you to that link!
ANNA KAMMEN
Rachel, your section has great information. I learned a lot just from reading through it. I would suggest citing in APA style rather than just providing the links. It is hard to tell in some sections which links go to which text. Also, for the links, it would be helpful if you put them in as a topic that links to the page rather than putting the whole link in there. There is a lot of straight text in your section, which makes sense, but to make the information stand out, it would be helpful to have more clear headings of subsections. Other than that, it is very well organized.
RACHEL LOWRY
Anna, I am the non-primary secondary evaluator for your section. The layout of your page is awesome and the links are great! There really is not much to critique you did a great job with lots of detailed information, pull down sections and links to give people more information. Is it bad that I cannot find anything? Lots of good information and resources as well. I can tell you to fill in the check list for your section so you can make sure you added everything that was asked and maybe we can all add a video or two as it says in the checklist (I need to too!) Thats about it... sorry I could not give you more other than complements!
Chelsea Powers
Hi Rachel, I am the non-lead primary evaluator for your section. Overall, you definitely covered a lot of information about the major social disabilities. Here are some possible suggestions. For incidence, possibly add statistics about Deaf + ASD and Deaf + ED. I know the statistics are different depending on where you retrieve the data from but just a general sense may be useful for that section? Under identification, the eight characteristics may be clearer if you number them? Like 1) ------ and then 2) -----. Lastly, I agree with Anna on links being slightly unclear. Maybe you can use the heading of the website page that you use instead of the whole web link? Those are just little things, other than that it looks great!
ANNA KAMMEN
Chelsea, I am the non-lead primary evaluator for your section. It looks great! The expanding sections make it very clear and easy to understand. The one section where you don't have anything is total communication settings, so I am curious to see what you will put there. If you cannot find anything, it might be best to delete the section and place that information in in a different way. Your information is clearly presented and covers the topics well. It shows many perspectives.
Sara Schley
I have added a (short) file with some feedback - but honestly, you have all done a great job with this assignment
CK Leans
I just looked at the Deaf Plus Social Disabilities Part 1: Definitions, Identifications, and Incidence, and everything looks great! I honestly can't think of anything that needs to be added or edited. All the descriptions are clear, and the links are relevant. Great job so far.
RACHEL LOWRY
Thanks Carly! :)
KAILEA COLAYORI
I think everything on this page looks wonderful. I love the visuals as well as the added videos. The only suggestion I would make is to make your links a hyperlink, so instead of seeing "www." I would see however you want to label that website. It is a little more visually appealing that way.
JONATHAN MAC DONALD
I love that you included Deaf Autism America. It's a good source! Good job!