The law requires general education teachers to identify students with disabilities in their classrooms, and although severe cases are easily noted, the majority of teachers are unable to spend much one-on-one time with each student and do not have the experience or background to catch the tell-tale signs of specific learning disabilities. As a result, many students with mild to moderate learning disabilities remain unidentified and struggle through the educational system without aid. Drawing from her experience as an educational psychologist, general education and special education teacher, Hannell has developed this guide with checklists and action plans to help the harried general education teacher quickly and easily identify children with learning disabilities, ensuring that these children receive the specialized attention and services they need.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction: Background to the Checklists A Word About IDEA IDEA Disability Categories Sec. 300.7 (20 U.S.C. 1401[3][A] and [B]; 1401 [26]) Reference 1. The Special Education Disability Identification Process Using the Checklists References 2. Which Checklist to Use? How to Use the Charts Scenario Illustrating Use of the Charts 3. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Definition of Autism: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklists The Autism Checklist Autism Recommended Further Reading References for Autism The Asperger Syndrome Checklist Asperger Disorder Recommended Further Reading References for Asperger Syndrome 4. Emotional or Behavioral Disorders and Emotional Disturbance Definition of Emotional Disturbance: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklists The Anxiety Disorder Checklist Anxiety Disorder Recommended Further Reading References for Anxiety Disorder The Selective Mutism Checklist Selective Mutism Recommended Further Reading References for Selective Mutism The Child and Adolescent Depression Checklist Depression Recommended Further Reading References for Depression The Conduct Disorder Checklist Conduct Disorder Recommended Further Reading References for Conduct Disorder The Oppositional Defiant Disorder Checklist Oppositional Defiant Disorder Recommended Further Reading References for Oppositional Defiant Disorder 5. Mental Retardation Definition of Mental Retardation: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklist The Mental Retardation Checklist Mental Retardation Recommended Further Reading References for Mental Retardation 6. Other Health Disabilities Definition of Other Health Impairment: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklists The Attention-Deficit Disorder (Inattentive Type) Checklist The Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Checklist Attention-Deficit Disorder Recommended Further Reading References for Attention-Deficit Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder The Tourette's Syndrome Checklist Tourette's Syndrome Recommended Further Reading References for Tourette's Syndrome 7. Specific Learning Disability Definition of Specific Learning Disability: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklist The Specific Learning Disability Checklist Specific Learning Disability Recommended Further Reading References for Specific Learning Disability 8. Speech or Language Impairment Definition of Speech or Language Impairment: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) How to Use the Checklist The Speech or Language Impairment Checklist Speech or Language Impairment Recommended Further Reading References for Speech or Language Impairment 9. Other Special Needs How to Use the Checklists The Giftedness Checklist Giftedness Recommended Further Reading References for Giftedness The Immaturity Checklist Immaturity Recommended Further Reading References for Immaturity The Low Self-Esteem Checklist Low Self-Esteem Recommended Further Reading References for Low Self-Esteem The Child Abuse Checklist The Abused Child or Adolescent Recommended Further Reading References for Child Abuse The Developmental Coordination Disorder and Dyspraxia Checklist Developmental Coordination Disorder and Dyspraxia Recommended Further Reading References for Developmental Coordination Disorder and Dyspraxia 10. Warning Signs of Sensory Impairment Warning Signs of Hearing Impairment Warning Signs of Visual Impairment Index

About the Author

Glynis Hannell has a BA (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Child Development, both from London University. She has worked as an educational and developmental psychologist in education departments, child health organizations, and child development units. She has also lectured in child development at the University of South Australia. She is currently a consultant psychologist working with children and adolescents with special needs, their teachers, their parents and caregivers, and other professionals. She contributes to professional conferences and professional inservice training programs. Fullarton House - Assessment Therapy and Teaching; Educational Psychologist

Reviews

"A useful, quick, and easy-reference resource for school psychologists, teachers, and student welfare coordinators." -- Karen Trevorrow, Psychologist "The straightforward checklists provided give classroom teachers confidence to move students towards the therapeutic act of identification." -- Mark Le Messurier, Private Practitioner "These checklists will not only provide valuable information to guide planning and programming, but will also serve as a focal point for discussion with families and professionals." -- Anne Bayetto, Lecturer "This book is easy to read and should become a handy teacher's reference guide, not just to generate information on signs of a disability, but to lend guidance on what one should consider when attempting to teach in a way that will allow students to be successful learners." -- PsycCRITIQUES, April 12, 2006 20060412 "Offering general definitions of 17 common disabilities, guidelines for handling teacher concerns about students, and specific references, this volume would be a helpful addition to any professional collection." -- Curriculum Connections, Fall 2006