Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Specific Learning Disabilities

Disability-Specific Characteristic Matrix

Academic
Characteristics
-slow reader
-letter confusion, words
moving on page
-limited vocab
-poor spelling
-verbal difficulties
-discrepancy b/w oral and
written work
-takes longer to complete task
-poor ability to memorize
-inability to retrieve math
facts and problem solving
methods
-numerical reasoning and
-language
calculationdelays
problems
-inability to concentrate
-perform below grade level
-possible connection to
another LD
-lacks focus, organization,
time-management, motivation
-ignores teacher

Behavioral
Characteristics
-frustration
-unable to concentrate
-inconsistent behaviors
-cause disruptions to avoid work
-low motivation

Social
Characteristics
-low self confidence
-self-conscious about work
-difficulty making friends
-normal social interaction
-long silences in conversations

-remote, isolated
-mood swings
-distressed
-violent
-inappropriate
-aggression
-depression
-hyperactivity
-ADHD

-unable to connect with people

-low self confidence
-aggressive with others
-low empathy levels
-immature
-lying and stealing
-avoidance

Strengths
-strong skills in a different
area in order to balance
weaker skills
-one-on-one support
-artistic/creativity
-strong ability to make
connections
-spacial reasoning

- can be highly intelligent

-creative
-leaders

Communication Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Speech / Language

Academic
Characteristics
-inattention
-procrastination
-trouble beginning a task
-many projects going on at
once
-misplaces items
-difficultly transitioning
between activities
-concrete>abstract

Behavioral
Characteristics
-difficulty to stay on task
-hyperactivity/random movement
-impulsivity
-sense of underachievement
-lack of organization
-impatient

-impairment of articulation of
speech sounds, fluency, voice
-impaired comprehension of
spoken, written, or symbol
systems
-impaired audio sensitivity
-complications in
process/comprehending info
-sound substitutions and
additions
-difficulties with figurative
language

-lack of communication skills

-frustration in inability to
communicate
-speak in simplified sentences
-frequent errors in word placement
or work pronunciation
-act out

Social
Characteristics

Strengths

-insecure
-depression
-self-esteem issues
-seek attention/stimulation
-outgoing
-talkative
-interrupt people

-lots of energy
-creative
-highly intelligent
-self aware
-develop own coping
strategies

-difficulty making friends/strong

social connections
-embarrassment
-may not initiate eye
contact/maintain eye contact

-strong skills to adapt for weak

skills
-adaptability

Blind / Visually Impaired Visual Impairment

High-functioning Autism
Other Health Impairments &
irments (skeletal &

Academic
Characteristics
-hard time transitioning
between activities
-low reading comprehension
-short attention span
-resistance to following
directions
-rote memory
-very high skills in some areas,
very low skills in other areas
-rules and routine

Behavioral
Characteristics
-wide range of emotions (highs
and lows throughout day)
-discomfort to loud noises
-withdrawn
-resistant to change
-sensitivity to environmental
stimuli
-calmed by comfort items
-impatient

Social
Characteristics
-struggles in group settings
-difficulty interpreting facial
expressions, body language,
speech patterns
-little or no eye contact
-does not relate to peers of own
age
-minimal acknowledgment of
others
-unable to understand feelings
of others
-loyal

-communicate with assistive

technology
-regular academic
characteristics depending on
impairment
-may miss more school
-difficulty concentrating

-unable to communicate
effectively
-frustration
-tire out quickly
-poor self-advocacy
-feelings of helplessness

-isolation from peers

-unable to participate
-potentially lack common
experiences to relate to peers
due to limited mobility, selfhelp, and self-care skills

Strengths
-excellent rote memory
-can exhibit very high level of
skills in some areas
-strong interest in a subject
-dont mind being alone
-dont discriminate against
others

-strong technology skills from

using assistive technology
-physically strong in areas that
are not affected
-eager to learn and be accepted