ADHD & Learning Disabilities

hp252 exam 2

Rehabilitation Act of 1973

First federal civil rights law protecting people with disabilities from discrimination in programs receiving federal funding.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education; provides accommodations but not special education services.

individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Federal law guaranteeing Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and special education services for eligible students.

FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

Right under IDEA; ensures students with disabilities receive individualized instruction and support at no cost to families.

Purpose of IDEA

To ensure all children with disabilities receive education tailored to their unique needs in the least restrictive environment

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Students with disabilities should be educated with nondisabled peers whenever possible.

Differences Between IDEA and Section 504

IDEA provides special education services; 504 provides accommodations. IDEA requires specific eligibility, 504 has broader coverage.

Type of Plan for IDEA

Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Type of Plan for Section 504

504 Plan — outlines accommodations but not specialized instruction.

Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Disorder in one or more basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using language (spoken or written).

Common Types of SLDs

Dyslexia (reading), dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing).

General Trends in SLD Identification

Largest category under IDEA; reading disabilities most common; boys diagnosed more often than girls.

Impact of SLD on Cognition

Affects memory, attention, and information processing; students may have average or above-average intelligence.

Learned Helplessness

Belief that effort won’t lead to success; can develop after repeated failure experiences.

Self-Perception and SLD

Students with SLD may experience low self-esteem due to academic struggles and social comparison.

Social Skills and SLD

Difficulties reading social cues or participating in group work; can lead to peer rejection or isolation.

IDEA vs DSM Definition of SLD

IDEA focuses on educational impact; DSM focuses on psychological diagnosis and symptom patterns.

ADHD Definition

Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning.

ADHD Inattentive Type

Difficulty sustaining focus, following through, and organizing tasks.

ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Fidgeting, restlessness, and impulsive actions or speech.

ADHD Combined Type

Displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

Symptoms must be present before age 12, occur in two or more settings, and impair functioning.

Prevalence of ADHD

One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders; more often diagnosed in boys than girls.

ADHD and Race Trends

Black and Hispanic children are often underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to White children.

ADHD Treatment

Combination of behavioral therapy, parent training, and medication (typically stimulants).

Classroom Accommodations for ADHD

Preferential seating, structured routines, movement breaks, and visual reminders.