Fragile X syndrome (FXS), as a monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, has been one of the first neurodevelopmental disorders in which molecular and neuronal mechanisms of disease have been identified, leading to the concept of targeting the underlying disease to reverse symptoms. Translating findings in basic…

In their recent review of special educational needs in schools, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF, 2020) highlights the fact that teaching strategies that are known to work well for mainstream learners are also likely to be effective for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In this article, the authors explain how…

Designing serious games (SGs) for people with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), requires proper planning and decision making. In this article, a proposal of a serious games design framework (GDF) that aims to assist designers and special education teachers and professionals develop successful SGs for people with ID…

The purpose of this article is to discuss the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Report 230, "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in individuals with intellectual disability" which aims to reduce the frequent misdiagnosis of this condition in people with ID, as shown in the case vignette that begins our commentary. The College…

Treatment intensity is an aspect of communication intervention that has received limited empirical attention. In this article, we discuss key parameters of treatment intensity related to individuals with complex communication needs who use augmentative and alternative communication. We advocate for an examination of treatment intensity along with…

Washington State University, Responsibility Opportunity Advocacy and Respect (WSU ROAR) is an inclusive 2-year residential postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WSU ROAR is a recognized comprehensive transition program located in rural eastern Washington. Within the program, there are four…

Students who are Deaf with Disabilities (DWD) comprise an extremely heterogeneous population. Similar to students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), students who are DWD vary in terms of degree, type, and age at onset of hearing loss, amplification, and preferred communication method. However, students who are DWD are also diverse in terms…

This chapter provides "viewpoints" on the education of learners with extensive and pervasive support needs. That is, students who require the most support to learn, often categorized as having intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related disabilities. The lenses through which we provide these…

Self-instruction may not be 100% successful for everyone with an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder; however, it is crucial to provide opportunities for learners to self-instruct to further increase independence. Adhering to the steps and considerations described here, practitioners can at least begin reducing their support and…

Supporting agency can be complex and challenging, especially when teaching students with severe disabilities (i.e., students with intellectual disability, autism, and/or multiple disabilities who are eligible for their state's alternate assessment). In this article, we compare Bandura's model of agency with constructs from the severe disabilities…

Self-management is an effective, well-researched set of strategies for increasing, decreasing, and maintaining one's own behavior. Self-management strategies have been shown to be effective in supporting students with disabilities, with the ultimate outcome of greater independence. Self-prompting, an important step in self-management, has become…

Speech and language impairments can pose significant challenges to the successful workplace inclusion of young adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and/or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Breakdowns are most likely to occur when support staff, workplace supervisors, or co-workers are unsure how to support effective communication.…

Peer relationships are just as important for students with autism, intellectual disability, and other developmental disabilities. Through their interactions with peers across the school day, students develop new skills, encounter new perspectives, access needed supports, find camaraderie, develop social capital, learn prevailing norms, and elevate…

In this paper, we developed two kinds of application software run on a mobile/wearable device for autistic spectrum disorder students, intellectual disability students, or physically challenged. One of the applications is expression detector/evaluator using a smartphone and a small expression sensor for social skill training. This sensor can…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; P.L. 108-446) is the primary source of federal funding to states for the identification and education of children with disabilities. The majority of IDEA appropriations are allocated to states by formula to carry out activities under Part B, which covers 14 disability categories. Each state is…