Diagnosis & Classifications
This neurodevelopmental condition includes challenges in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Providing extra time on tests is an example of this kind of support.
What is an accommodation?
Instead of saying “non-verbal,” you might say a student communicates in this way.
What is "uses alternative communication"?
Students with dyslexia see letters backwards.
What is myth?
Dyslexia is not about seeing letters backwards — it’s a language-processing disorder that affects reading, spelling, and decoding, especially phonological awareness.
A student avoids reading aloud and seems to guess at words. What might be a helpful support?
What is providing audiobooks or decodable readers?
This disorder may be marked by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or both.
What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
A student with expressive language difficulties may benefit from using this visual tool.
What is a communication board or visual schedule?
Rather than labeling a student as “disruptive,” consider saying this.
What is "seeks sensory input" or "uses movement to stay regulated"?
ADHD only affects boys
What is myth?
ADHD affects all genders. Girls are often underdiagnosed because they may show inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactive ones, which can be overlooked.
A student has a meltdown when there's a surprise fire drill. What diagnosis and support might this relate to?
What is ASD, and using visual schedules/social stories?
This condition involves persistent difficulty with reading, often linked to phonological processing.
What is dyslexia?
Preferred seating, like sitting near the teacher or away from distractions, is useful for this diagnosis.
What is ADHD (primarily inattentive type)?
A student with a narrow focus on one topic might also be described as this.
What is "highly passionate" or "deeply focused"?
Students with ASD can form meaningful relationships.
What is fact?
Autistic individuals can absolutely form close, meaningful relationships. They may communicate or connect differently, but their capacity for connection is just as strong.
A student constantly gets out of their seat, taps pencils, and talks out of turn. What might you try?
What is a movement break, fidget tool, or seating alternative?
A student with anxiety and a strong fear of being judged may have this condition.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Chunking writing tasks and providing graphic organizers supports students with this condition.
What is a Specific Learning Disability in Writing (Dysgraphia)?
Rather than “low-functioning,” we use this more respectful phrase.
What is "requires significant support"?
Accommodations are unfair to other students.
What is myth?
Accommodations level the playing field, not give unfair advantages. They provide access to learning that is otherwise limited due to a disability or learning difference.
A student often erases their writing and says “It’s not good enough.” What may be going on?
What is anxiety or perfectionism (possibly OCD)?
This learning disability affects the ability to understand and perform mathematical calculations.
What is Dyscalculia (Specific Learning Disability in Math)?
Students with OCD may benefit from this type of predictable classroom structure.
What is a consistent routine or clear transitions?
Replace “lazy” with this more accurate descriptor.
What is "experiencing executive functioning challenges"?
Neurodiverse students can thrive with the right supports.
What is fact?
With tailored instruction, accommodations, and a supportive environment, neurodiverse students often excel academically and socially in their own ways.
A quiet student doesn't raise their hand or join group work, but submits excellent written work. What support might they benefit from?
What is offering alternative participation options (e.g. chat, written responses)?