Autism means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interactions. Autism causes differences in the brain and can overlap with different combinations and severities and change over time.

Some challenges students with Autism face include:

• Social communication deficits

• Repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests

• Trouble making friends

• Adherence to routine

• Emotional Regulation deficits

• Gross/Fine Motor delays

• Executive Functioning deficits

• Sensory stimulation

• Trouble Attending

• Theroy of Mind

Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that makes learning to read, write and/or spell difficult despite adequate instruction and intelligence.

Some challenges students with dyslexia face include:

• Inability to sound out new words

• Reading words in isolation or reading unknown words

• Reading smoothly with enough speed and accuracy to comprehend

• Poor spelling

Secondary characteristics may include difficulty:

• Expressing ideas or concepts in writing

• Understanding what is read

Early Risk factors and signs of dyslexia

• Family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties

• Delayed speech or trouble with pronouncing words

• Difficulty identifying and manipulating individual sounds within words

• Challenges learning letter names

• Difficulty recalling the names of letters, numbers, or familiar object

• Avoidance of reading or writing tasks

• Inaccurate or slow reading

• Difficulty with note taking and producing written work

• Over use of pictures to guess at words

Students with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The most frequent medical conditions under which students qualify for services as Other Health Impairment (OHI) are attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions naturally lend themselves to the OHI classification in that both are characterized by an inability to focus, which usually contributes to decreased alertness to the educational environment.

Some challenges students with ADHD face include:

• Struggles to pay close attention to details, makes carless mistakes

• Often does not follow through on instruction to finish classwork, duties, etc...

• Struggles with organization of tasks and activities

• Often dislikes tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework)

• Often loses things necessary for tasks & activities (e.g., pencils, books, tools, wallet, paperwork, eyeglasses, cell, and school materials)

• Forgetful in daily activities

• Often “on the go” very active

• Often talks excessively, blurts out, interrupts others

• Easily distracted