Physical Disabilities By: Maram Alenzi

Table of Contents: Autism. Hearing Loss and Deafness. Intellectual Disability.

Autism: Autism Characteristics Tips for Parents on Autism Tips for Educators on Autism Tips for Students with Autism Resources on Autism

Autism characteristics: Very little or no eye contact. Resistance to being held or touched. Tends to get too close when speaking to someone (lack of personal space). Responds to social interactions, but does not initiate them. Does not generally share observations or experiences with others. Difficulty understanding jokes, figures of speech or sarcasm. Difficulty reading facial expressions and body language. Difficulty understanding the rules of conversation. Difficulty understanding group interactions. Aversion to answering questions about themselves. Gives spontaneous comments which seem to have no connection to the current conversation.

Tips for parents on Autism: Learn about autism spectrum disorders especially the specific disorder of your child. Be mindful to interact with and teach your child in ways that are most likely to get a positive response. Learn about assistive technology (AT) that can help your child. Work with professionals in early intervention or in your child’s school to develop an IFSP or an IEP that reflects your child’s needs and abilities. Be patient and stay optimistic.

Tips for educators on Autism: Use Task Analysis very specific, tasks in sequential order. Always keep your language simple and concert. Teach specific social rules/skills, such as turn-taking and social distance. Give fewer choices. Providing a very clear structure and a set daily routine including.

Tips for students with Autism: Average, or above average, intelligence Excellent rote memory Very detail-oriented Often savant-like knowledge in certain areas Works well with concrete, rather than abstract or ambiguous, information Extensive vocabulary Incredible gifts/talents in certain areas (arts, math, sciences, etc.) Unique ability to perceive things in new ways, out of the box thinking.

Resources on Autism: http://www.autismweb.com/teachers.htm http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8761-22-tips-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders http://ddce.utexas.edu/disability/tips-for-working-with-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/

Hearing Loss and Deafness. characteristics of hearing loss and deafness. Tips for Parents on Hearing Loss and Deafness. Tips for Educators on Hearing Loss and Deafness. Tips for Students with Hearing Loss and Deafness. Resources on Hearing Loss and Deafness.

Characteristics of Hearing Loss and Deafness: 1. Hearing loss with no organic basis is: a) conductive loss  b) mixed loss c) functional loss d) central loss.    2. Hereditary conditions, including incompatible Rh factors during the prenatal period, are examples of: a) central loss b) sensori-neural loss c) functional loss d) mixed loss. 3. When volume is reduced but sounds are not distorted, the hearing loss is considered: a) conductive b) sensori-neural c) mixed d) functional. 4. A hearing aid can amplify sound, but cannot a) increase understanding of sounds b) improve clarity of sounds c) impact physical conditions d) cause further distractions. 5. Removal of wax or a foreign object from the ear will help which type of hearing loss: a) profound b) conductive c) moderate d) central.

Tips for parents on Hearing Loss and Deafness. Expressions of love can head off undesirable behavior. Children thrive in a predictable environment. Routines and schedules carried out with consistency provide stability and security. Make sure your words and actions are sending the same message. Catch Your Child Being “Good.” Set Up a Safe Environment.

Tips for educators on Hearing Loss and Deafness: Find ways to communicate. Write words or draw pictures on paper. Use a word processor or computer. If requested or if it will be helpful, have someone take notes. Look directly at the person and speak normally. If the person does not understand a word, repeat the word or use another word that means the same thing. Do not speak louder. Find ways to present information visually. For example, use pictures, a projector, posters, or a whiteboard. Be sure to allow the individual time to read before continuing. Individuals with hearing loss often rely on visual means as a way to learn. Introduce and explain vocabulary. Review new words and information frequently. Ask if your chapel is equipped with amplification systems and listening devices. Use closed-captioning or subtitles where available. Be sure the equipment is set up before a meeting starts. Discover how the family or caregiver communicates with the individual.

Tips for students with Hearing Loss and Deafness: Look at a person when the person signs, and speak directly to him or her. Do not focus your attention on the interpreter. Consider setting up a sign language class on a ward or stake basis. Direct them to ASL materials at asl.lds.org. In group settings, individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf and their interpreters can “listen” to only one person at a time. You will need to pause long enough for the interpreter to finish before expecting the person to respond to you. Make sure that lighting is adequate and that the person has a clear view of the person who is talking or of the interpreter. Avoid having the person who is speaking standing in front of a window or bright light that will cast a shadow on

Resources on Hearing Loss and Deafness: http://www.ncra.org/Certifications/content.cfm?ItemNumber=8835 https://www.lds.org/topics/disability/list/hearing-loss-and-deafness?lang=eng http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ncdhr/ResourceDirectory/Documents/GuideForParents11-29-06_129234470459162500.pdf

Intellectual Disability: Characteristics of Intellectual Disability. Tips for Parents on Intellectual Disability. Tips for Educators on Intellectual Disability. Tips for Students with Intellectual Disability. Resources on Intellectual Disability.

Characteristics of Intellectual Disability: physical characteristics An underdevelopment in physical growth Physical deformation Mental characteristics Underdeveloped speech and language skills Poor: memory, attention, perception, imagination, thinking, computing and concentration Social characteristics Lack of interests and orientations Irresponsibility Low self-esteem Emotional characteristics Emotional imbalance Excessive movement Primitive reactions

Tips for parents on Intellectual Disability: Never lower your expectations for your child Get them evaluated Learn about your child’s disability and make sure they are in the most inclusive setting possible Work with your student to make sure they understand their disability and that it does not mean they have something wrong with them Never give up on your child Be patient, resilient, understanding

Tips for educators on Intellectual Disability: Break down assignments or requests into small steps. Prayerfully select an opportunity for members with intellectual disabilities to participate in the lesson. Use teaching ideas such as role playing, object lessons, and other visual aids to illustrate difficult concepts. Communicate using simple phrases, and repeat important ideas. Look for opportunities for students to work in small groups. Be positive; smile.

Tips for students with Intellectual Disability: Use short and simple sentences to ensure understanding. Repeat instructions or directions frequently. Ask student if further clarification is necessary. Keep distractions and transitions to a minimum. Teach specific skills whenever necessary. Provide an encouraging and supportive learning environment. Use alternative instructional strategies and alternative assessment methods. Explicitly teach organizational skills Keep conversations as normal as possible for inclusion with peers. Teach the difference between literal and figurative language. Direct student’s attention to critical differences when teaching concepts

Resources on Intellectual Disability: http://www.somena.org/showpage.aspx?PID=371 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/advice-to-students-and-parents-with-learning-disabilities/ https://www.lds.org/topics/disability/list/intellectual-disability?lang=eng