Types of Diverse Needs
What are two examples of disabilities that may cause a child to have diverse needs?
physical disability, intellectual disability, sensory impairment, behavioural disorder.
answers may also include specific disabilities
What are the four main areas of child development?
Physical, cognitive, language/speech, social–emotional.
Which professional helps children with speech and communication?
Speech pathologist.
What does “early intervention” mean?
Early intervention = providing specialised support services as soon as possible to improve a child’s development.
Define the difference between “gifted” and “talented.”
Gifted = natural ability well above average. Talented = developed ability to a high level.
Define congenital as it relates to childhood disabilities.
Congenital means a condition present from birth, caused by genetics, environment in the womb, or complications at birth
At 5 months, what social behaviours would a caregiver expect a baby to demonstrate?
Expected → smiling, cooing, making eye contact, showing interest in others.
What is the role of an occupational therapist for children with diverse needs?
Occupational therapist → helps children develop everyday life skills (feeding, dressing, handwriting, play).
Give one example of an early intervention strategy for children with diverse needs.
Examples → speech therapy, physiotherapy, early learning programs, family counselling.
List two behaviours that may indicate a child is gifted.
Behaviours → advanced vocabulary, curiosity, problem-solving, intense focus, early reading or maths skills.
Name one medical condition that may create diverse needs in children.
asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy.
What is language delay, and give one sign a parent may notice by age 2.
Language delay = child struggles to understand or use spoken language at their age. By 2 years: may not use two-word phrases, limited vocabulary.
Name one way a physiotherapist can support children with physical disabilities.
Physiotherapist → improves muscle strength, mobility, independence.
Identify one type of respite care and explain how it benefits families.
Respite care gives families short breaks, reducing stress and improving family wellbeing.
Identify one concern parents might have when raising a gifted child.
Concerns → boredom at school, social isolation, pressure to achieve, emotional sensitivity.
Explain how a physical disability might delay a child’s normal development.
A physical disability (e.g., limited mobility) can reduce exploration of the environment → delays cognitive and social learning.
How does limited mobility affect a child’s cognitive development?
Limited mobility = less ability to explore → fewer learning opportunities, delayed problem-solving and independence.
How can an audiologist help a child with a language delay?
Audiologist → diagnoses hearing loss, provides hearing aids, supports speech development.
Why is mainstream inclusive education beneficial for both children with and without disabilities?
Inclusive education → promotes acceptance, peer learning, friendships, reduces stigma.
How can parents support the learning needs of gifted and talented children?
Parents can provide enrichment opportunities, encourage curiosity, link with support networks, advocate for extension/acceleration at school.
Describe the difference between a disability, a medical condition, and giftedness.
Disability = physical/intellectual impairment affecting development. Medical condition = illness (like asthma) requiring care. Giftedness = exceptional natural ability; talented = developed ability at a high level.
Outline how cultural factors might influence social–emotional development in children.
Some cultures encourage independence and verbal interaction; others value observation and less adult–child talk, affecting emotional and language development.
Explain the importance of early referral to multiple specialists for children with complex needs.
Early referral ensures a team approach, addressing physical, cognitive, language, and social needs together → maximises learning & wellbeing
Compare special education units in mainstream schools with schools for specific purposes.
Special education units = support classes inside mainstream schools. Schools for specific purposes = fully specialised settings with trained teachers, therapists, facilities for high support needs.
Evaluate why enrichment activities are important for gifted and talented children.
Enrichment activities (music, art, sport, excursions) challenge gifted children, build creativity, resilience, and allow them to develop beyond the standard curriculum.