While individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are incredibly diverse, there are some common characteristics that may present themselves in students with IDD. It’s important to remember that these characteristics vary greatly based on the specific disability and individual. Here are some common areas to consider:

Cognitive:

• Difficulty learning new information: They may require additional time and repetition to understand and retain information.
• Slow processing speed: They may need more time to process information and instructions.
• Difficulties with abstract concepts: They may struggle with understanding figurative language, complex ideas, and cause-and-effect relationships.
• Limited problem-solving skills: They may need assistance in analyzing situations, identifying solutions, and making decisions.

Communication:

• Speech and language delays: They may have difficulty expressing themselves clearly, understanding verbal communication, or following directions.
• Limited vocabulary: They may have a smaller vocabulary and use shorter sentences.
• Difficulties with reading and writing: They may have challenges with decoding, fluency, comprehension, and written expression.

Social-emotional:

• Difficulties with social interaction: They may struggle with understanding social cues, making friends, and engaging in appropriate social behaviors.
• Self-regulation challenges: They may have difficulty managing their emotions, staying focused, and following rules.
• Low self-esteem and anxiety: They may experience negative feelings about themselves and their abilities due to challenges they face.

Physical and motor skills:

• Fine motor delays: They may have difficulty with handwriting, manipulating objects, and completing other fine motor tasks.
• Gross motor delays: They may have difficulty with walking, running, jumping, or other gross motor skills.

Sensory processing:

• Oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sensory stimuli: They may be easily overwhelmed by noise, light, or touch, or they may not register sensory information well.

Additionally:

• Learning styles may differ: They may learn better through visuals, hands-on activities, or concrete examples.
• Attention difficulties: They may be easily distracted or have difficulty maintaining focus.
• Medical conditions: Some individuals with IDD may have co-occurring medical conditions that require additional support.

Remember:

• These are just general characteristics, and each individual is unique.
• It’s important to avoid generalizations and focus on the specific needs of each student.
• Early intervention and appropriate support can significantly improve outcomes for students with IDD.

If you’d like to explore specific aspects of IDD further, please provide more information about your needs.