Typology of Learners With Special Needs
Typology of Learners With Special Needs
Typology of Learners With Special Needs
1. Anxiety Disorders- refers to several distinct disabilities that share the core
characteristic of irrational fear: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), and specific phobias.
According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders
are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. They are
also highly treatable. Unfortunately, only about 1/3 of those affected receive
treatment.
2. Bipolar Disorder- also known as manic-depressive illness,
bipolar disorder is a serious medical condition that causes
dramatic mood swings from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad
and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal
mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go
along with these changes in mood.
For most people with bipolar disorder, these mood swings and
related symptoms can be stabilized over time using an approach
that combines medication and psychosocial treatment.
3. Conduct Disorder- This refers to a group of behavioral and
emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this
disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a
socially acceptable way. This may include some of the following
behaviors:
● aggression to people and animals;
● destruction of property;
● deceitfulness, lying, or stealing; or
● truancy or other serious violations of rules.
Although conduct disorder is one of the most difficult behavior
disorders to treat, young people often benefit from a range of services
that include:
● training for parents on how to handle child or adolescent behavior;
● family therapy;
● training in problem solving skills for children or adolescents; and
● community-based services that focus on the young person within
the context of family and community influences.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder- Often referred to as OCD,
obsessive-compulsive disorder is actually considered an anxiety
disorder. OCD is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts
(obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
Repetitive behaviors (handwashing, counting, checking, or
cleaning) are often performed with the hope of preventing
obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these
so-called “rituals,” however, provides only temporary relief, and
not performing them markedly increases anxiety.
5. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling
of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive
disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and
behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical
problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day
activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth
living.
The following is a short list of ways that educators can promote the social and emotional well-being
of students with LDs (adapted from The Social and Emotional Side of Learning Disabilities by
Sheldon H. Horowitz, EdD. Click here to access the article).
1. Recognize the student's specific areas of strength (competence) and need, and look for (or
create) teachable moments to model and reinforce positive skills.
2. Teach social skills the same way you would academic skills: proceed in small steps, demonstrate
and give multiple examples, offer practice and feedback (reinforcement and praise), and
systematically find opportunities to generalize (apply) newly learned skills and behaviors to
different settings.
3. Find ways to build the student's self-concept, and help them to achieve and sustain a level of
appreciation and positive status among their peers.
4. Try to minimize competition and focus instead on cooperative learning by creating opportunities
for shared learning and joint activities.
References:
● https://debh.exceptionalchildren.org/behavior-disorders-definitions-
characteristics-related-information
● https://www.ldatschool.ca/learn-about-lds/social-emotional-development-lds/
● Aligada-Halal, Cristina N. et.al.(2020). Foundations of Special and Inclusive
Education. REX Book Store. Manila.