An interdisciplinary approach to

working with children and young

people with complex intellectual needs

University of Oradea

Intellectual and Complex

Learning Disabilities
" Disability is the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in a normal life in
the community, to be on an equal level with others and this is due to physical or
social barriers . "
( Barnes 1994: 2)

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Have limitations in intellectual functioning co-occurring with a range of
learning difficulties. Both strengths and weaknesses are usually present in
conceptual, social, and practical areas.
Have general intellectual functioning in the below average range
Have learning difficulties that have significantly affected school
performance, including a high probability of difficulty with a regular college
curriculum

Recorded diagnoses in one or more of a variety of categories:

Intellectual Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities
Learning Disabilities
Autism
High Functioning Autism
Aspergers Syndrome
Physical Disabilities
The individual diagnoses can be across several categories.

Health
These categorical Other
assignments
may Impairment
be the result of or influenced by diagnoses of genetic syndromes such as Down or
Williams Syndrome, as well as medical or accidental traumas, either before or after birth.
Traumatic Brain Injury

Education
Education is one of the most effective tools by which
Children with special needs could achieve the social and
economic empowerment. Education holds importance for
Children with Speical Needs as they have been a subject
of discrimination for a long period of time.It is crusical for
developing their potential, self-confidence, self-reliance
and making them career oriented.

Teachers in Classroom should have

ability to :
problem-solve
take advantage of childrens individual interests and use their internal motivation for
developing required skills
set high but alternative expectations that are suitable for the sutdent i.e. developing
alternative assessment
make appropriate expectations for each students regardless of the students
capabilities (if teacher can do this it allows all students to be included in a class and
school)
learn how to value all kinds of skills that students bring to a class, not just the
academic skills.
consult with and develop partnerships with parrents / caregivers and colleagues
use sppropriate forms of assesments
adapt their instruction to the prior knoweledge and beliefs of students
create an inclusive community that extends beyond the walls
seek to enhance the self-esteem of all students

BENEFITS OF INCLUSION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Meaningful friendships.
Increased appreciation
and acceptance of
individual differences
Increased
understanding and
acceptance of diversity.
Respect for all people.
Prepared for adult life in
an inclusive society.