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5710 Written Assignment 4
5710 Written Assignment 4
December, 9 2021
Raise awareness of disabilities among teachers and students
Students with learning disabilities (LD) face more hard times than other students in a
diverse classroom. It is simply because they see, hear, do and understand things differently that
leads to trouble participating in the learning activities. Applying inclusive education in a diverse
class is seen as a solution to provide opportunities for all children can learn with no exception.
The concept can bring on a new perspective in education and various advantages, mainly
academic, behavioural, and social aspects (Karsidi, 2005). Equipping teachers and students with
sufficient knowledge help to support and facilitate students with LD in an inclusive classroom.
This paper will examine Down Syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) to raise
disabilities.
and emotional disability at once. Medline Plus (n. d.) explains that it is a “chromosomal
condition that is associated with intellectual disability, a characteristic facial appearance, and
weak muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy. All affected individuals experience cognitive delays,
but the intellectual disability is usually mild to moderate” (para.1). In addition, Down Syndrome
children are susceptible to many medical conditions that affect delayed language and behaviour
development. In the early years, it is reported that they have speech delay and behavioural issues,
such as obsessive and tantrums. These slow developments impact their language development
and the ability to process the understanding in the learning. However, the complex characteristics
do not let them stop getting opportunities to learn and develop their skills.
Considering their limit, the teacher should craft an exceptional IEP that accommodates
their needs and modifies the lesson to engage them to learn. Once they are engaged, they will
actively participate in the activities. Their participation will create a positive relationship
between peers and teachers. For example, the illustrated material makes meaningful learning for
Down Syndrome students (DSE, n. d.). Students with Down Syndrome will express and
understand better through visual objects and drawings. They will grasp the learning better
through gestures, pictures, or real objects. Therefore, incorporating visual aids with the lesson
Another disability that can create awareness of disability is Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD). It is a “developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and
behavioural challenges” (CDC, 2020, para. 1). Children with ASD often have communication
and socialization problems. Unlike Down Syndrome children, they have the same physical
appearances as others. Also, their intelligence is normally developed. Most of them are visual
and auditory learners. Thus providing visual prompts also makes learning effectively. Everything
should be concrete and visible for them to understand. However, student teachers should be
aware that students with ASD easily get distracted by touch or noises. It causes them to have
difficulties building a social-emotional connection with other people, which makes them seem to
have their own world. Because of the sensory overload, they often get tantrums or breakdown
psychological and emotional disabilities, Down Syndrome also causes autism spectrum disorders
Medline plus (n. d.). It means handling children with Down Syndrome will be similar to the
students with autistic conditions. In addition, their psychical and intelligence differences make
CDC. (2020, March 25). What is autism down syndrome?. Centers of diseases for control and
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Down Syndrome. (n. d.) Medline Plus. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/down-syndrome/#frequency
DSE. (2020, February 02). Development and learning for people with down syndrome. Retrieved
https://www.down-syndrome.org/en-us/about-down-syndrome/development/
Karsidi, R. (2015). Ilmu Pendidikan dan paradigma Pendidikan inklusif yang berkualitas
[Educational science and the quality of inclusive education paradigm]. Univesitas Negeri
Yogyakarta. https://www.uny.ac.id/fokus-kita/prof-dr-ravik-karsidi-ms