NYSTCE: Students with Disabilities Exam Prep Flashcards

Mrs. Christensen instructs her students to make “ladybug drops” or drops the size of ladybugs when using bottled glue. This instruction is an example of which strategy?

Answer: Using concrete visual images to teach skills

Mrs. Christensen's instruction to make 'ladybug drops' of glue uses a concrete, relatable visual image that children can easily understand and replicate. This analogy provides a clear, measurable standard for the amount of glue to use, making an abstract concept (a small amount) tangible and actionable for young learners. It helps them develop fine motor control and follow instructions effectively.

Mrs. Williams noticed that Kevin found it difficult to remember basic math facts, but he had a strong interest in natural science. She incorporated some math concepts into a project on volcanoes for Kevin. This is an example of using which approach?

Answer: Strengths-based approach

Mrs. Williams identified Kevin's strong interest in natural science and used it as a vehicle to teach math concepts, addressing his difficulty with basic math facts. This strategy leverages his existing strengths and interests to engage him in learning, making the material more relevant and accessible. A strengths-based approach focuses on what a student can do and builds upon those abilities to support areas of challenge.

Currently, boys are identified with learning disabilities more frequently than girls, at a rate of 3:1. Researchers believe one of the reasons for this is which of the following?

Answer: Boys appear to be more susceptible to brain damage, both before and after birth.

Research suggests that biological factors contribute to the higher rate of learning disability diagnoses in boys. Boys are more vulnerable to various prenatal and postnatal complications, including certain types of brain injury or developmental issues, which can impact neurological development and increase the likelihood of learning disabilities. This biological susceptibility is a significant factor in the observed gender disparity.

Fourth-grader Stacey was recently identified with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Which of the following symptoms would Stacey most likely exhibit?

Answer: Inability to sit or stand still

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. A core symptom of the hyperactivity component is excessive motor activity, which manifests as difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, squirming, or being constantly on the go. This inability to remain still is a hallmark sign of ADHD in children like Stacey.

Conduct Disorder may co-occur with which condition?

Answer: ADHD

Conduct Disorder (CD) frequently co-occurs with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD, particularly those with significant impulsivity and hyperactivity, are at a higher risk for developing CD, which involves a persistent pattern of violating the rights of others and major age-appropriate societal norms. The shared underlying difficulties with impulse control and executive function can contribute to this comorbidity.

Fourth-grade student Jamie was recently identified with dyslexia. His mother wonders if his condition was caused by something she did, or failed to do, as a parent. We now know that dyslexia is primarily caused by what?

Answer: A genetic predisposition to the condition

Current research overwhelmingly indicates that dyslexia has a strong genetic component. It is often hereditary, meaning it runs in families, and is linked to specific genes that affect brain development and function related to language processing. It is not caused by environmental factors like diet or screen time, but rather by neurobiological differences that are largely inherited.

What is the typical IQ range of children with learning disabilities?

Answer: 90 to 95

Children with learning disabilities typically have average to above-average intelligence, meaning their IQ scores generally fall within the normal range. While the specific range can vary, an IQ of 90-95 is considered within the average range, distinguishing learning disabilities from intellectual disabilities where IQ scores are significantly lower. This indicates a discrepancy between their intellectual potential and their academic performance in specific areas.

Kara’s preschool teacher has noticed that Kara’s expressive language skills seem delayed in comparison to her peers. She is hesitant to talk to Kara’s parents and assumes the problem will resolve itself. Which of the following should Kara’s teacher do?

Answer: She should ask an experienced special ed (SPED) teacher to observe Kara.

When a teacher has concerns about a child's development, it is crucial to seek professional input rather than ignoring the issue or relying on informal advice. Consulting an experienced special education teacher provides an objective, knowledgeable perspective and can help determine if the observed delays warrant further assessment or intervention. This step ensures appropriate guidance and support for Kara and her family.

Lisa, a fourth-grade student, has a visual perceptual deficit. Her teacher has noticed which of the following problems in connection with this deficit?

Answer: Reverses or inverts letters or numerals

A visual perceptual deficit affects how the brain interprets visual information, even if the eyes themselves are healthy. For Lisa, this can manifest as difficulty with spatial orientation and discrimination of visual forms, leading to common errors like reversing letters (e.g., 'b' for 'd') or numbers (e.g., '6' for '9') or inverting them. This is a classic symptom associated with challenges in visual processing.

The most obvious symptom of dyslexia is reading difficulty. Which of the following may also accompany dyslexia?

Answer: Social immaturity for age

While dyslexia is primarily known for reading difficulties, it can also impact other areas of development, including social skills. Children with dyslexia may struggle with processing language quickly, which can affect their ability to understand social cues, participate in conversations, or grasp complex social situations, leading to perceived social immaturity compared to their peers. This is often an indirect consequence of their language processing challenges.

Mrs. Jones has noticed that kindergartner David is very bright, but he lacks language skills and has a hard time making friends. He rarely makes eye contact and doesn’t show much emotion. She assumes that he is just shy. Which of the following might explain David’s symptoms?

Answer: High-functioning autism

David's symptoms—being bright but lacking language skills, having difficulty making friends, rarely making eye contact, and showing little emotion—are characteristic indicators of high-functioning autism (now often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder without intellectual impairment). These individuals often have strong cognitive abilities but struggle with social communication and interaction, as well as exhibiting restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Where can one find the categories and definitions used to classify mental disorders?

Answer: The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the authoritative guide used by mental health professionals to classify and diagnose mental disorders. It provides standardized criteria and definitions for various conditions, ensuring consistency in diagnosis and facilitating research and treatment planning.

When determining placement for a child with a classification of SED, which of the following factors should not be considered?

Answer: Music preferences

When determining placement for a child with a classification of Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), factors considered relate directly to their emotional and behavioral functioning and their ability to learn in an educational setting. These include their social skills, aggression levels, and grasp of reality. A child's music preferences are entirely unrelated to their educational needs or the severity of their emotional disturbance and should not influence placement decisions.

Third grader Kylie has difficulty reading social cues in relation to communication. She may misinterpret a rhetorical question as a literal question or misunderstand metaphors or similes. She frequently dominates conversations or skips from topic to topic. These characteristics show a breakdown in which of the components of language development?

Answer: Pragmatics

Pragmatics refers to the social rules of language use, including understanding social cues, taking turns in conversation, interpreting non-literal language (like metaphors or rhetorical questions), and staying on topic. Kylie's difficulties with these aspects of communication indicate a breakdown in her pragmatic language skills, affecting her ability to use language effectively and appropriately in social contexts.

What elements are included when determining the process of a lesson plan?

Answer: Vehicle of delivery, such as group discussions, individual projects, or teacher-led discussions

The 'process' section of a lesson plan outlines how the lesson will be taught and how students will engage with the material. This includes the instructional methods and activities, or the 'vehicle of delivery,' that the teacher will use to facilitate learning. Materials, homework, and parental input are important but fall under different components of lesson planning (resources, assessment, communication).

Which of the following describes PDDNOS?

Answer: Autism-like symptoms

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. It was a diagnostic category used for individuals who displayed significant impairments in social interaction, communication, and/or repetitive behaviors, but did not meet the full criteria for a specific autism spectrum disorder. Essentially, it described individuals with autism-like symptoms that didn't fit neatly into other categories, now subsumed under Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5.

Many parents of children with special needs express concerns over the financial, emotional, and physical strains associated with caring for these children. Which of the following responses would be most helpful?

Answer: Offer information on community respite services and support groups

Parents of children with special needs often experience significant stress. Offering information on community respite services provides them with temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to rest and recharge. Support groups connect them with other parents facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community, reducing isolation, and providing valuable emotional support and practical advice. These resources directly address the financial, emotional, and physical strains they experience.

Second grader Zoe has difficulty with self-help skills, such as buttoning her coat or tying her shoes. Which of the following might this indicate?

Answer: Developmental delay

Zoe's difficulty with self-help skills like buttoning and tying shoes at a second-grade level suggests she is not meeting typical developmental milestones for her age. A developmental delay indicates that a child is progressing more slowly than expected in one or more areas of development, such as fine motor skills or adaptive behavior. This is a general term often used when specific diagnoses like autism or cerebral palsy are not clearly indicated by the presented symptoms alone.

Most children with learning disabilities will also have difficulty with which of the following?

Answer: Social skills

Children with learning disabilities often face challenges beyond academic struggles; they frequently experience difficulties with social skills. These challenges can include misinterpreting social cues, struggling with non-verbal communication, or having trouble expressing themselves appropriately in social situations. These social skill deficits are a common comorbidity, impacting their ability to form and maintain relationships.

First grader Camille has a difficult time working independently and often seems insecure. She enjoys extra attention from teachers and peers and seems to have acquired an attitude of “learned helplessness.” When questioned, Camille’s mother reports that she is the “baby” of the family and is loved and adored by all. Which of the following might explain Camille’s behavior?

Answer: Sibling position

Camille's behavior, characterized by insecurity, attention-seeking, and 'learned helplessness,' aligns with theories on sibling position, particularly for the youngest child in a family. As the 'baby,' she may have been overprotected and had tasks done for her, leading to a lack of independence and a reliance on others. This can foster a belief that she is incapable of solving problems on her own, resulting in learned helplessness.