Disorder Fact Sheet Resource Booklet: For Parents and Teachers of Exceptional Learners

According to the CDC, more than one out of every 100 school children in the United States has some form of intellectual disability. Cerebral palsy is the second most common developmental disorder, followed by autism spectrum disorders. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions which occur due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays. The booklet contains information that will enable teachers to identify and manage disorders that may impact student learning and behavior. The strategies included will enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning methods; and the accessibility of course instruction, materials, and activities. They are general strategies designed to support individualized reasonable accommodations for which an exceptional learner needs in order to reach their full potential. They were gleaned from research, intervention specialists, and general and special education teachers and students (in public and private schools) over the past thirty years.

Althea Penn is a national conference speaker and professional development specialist with over thirty years of experience working with exceptional learners as a principal, teacher, and Title I tutor. She believes that every child can succeed with instructional differentiation and support. She has a passion for children and those who serve them. She is an inspirational communicator and has served as a conference speaker and seminar leader for The Georgia Preschool Association, the National Black Child Development Institute, Kid's Advocacy Coalition, Quality Care for Children, the Association of Christian Schools International, and other organizations which share her passion for intentionally cultivating potential. As an educational consultant, she has trained thousands of educational organization program administrators and educators. Althea is married to her best friend and high school sweetheart. They are the parents of two daughters who are also teachers.