Diagnosis, assessment and evaluation comprise the first step in educating people with developmental disabilities. Usually, this begins with the student's doctor or pediatrician; however, sometimes a parent or educator can be the first to recognize an impairment. Regardless, the student must be referred to specialists who will not only diagnose the cause, but will study the student and make recommendations as to what therapies or approaches will best aid them in attaining their educational goals. Having the student re-examined and re-assessed on a regular basis will help tailor future therapies to his changing abilities and disabilities.
Developing an IEP is the next important step. An IEP requires the expertise of the educators, specialists and parents, who come together to share knowledge and decide on goals. Parents should feel encouraged to take an active role in this planning, and to provide all assessments and recommendations they have received to the school. Specialists who provide care and therapy to the student should also attend IEP meetings, or write specific recommendations for them.
Tailoring the recommendations and IEP provides the educator the opportunity to initiate and improve on strategies that work, and to stop using strategies that do not work in practice. A child with cognitive delays may benefit from a simplified lesson plan, or may benefit from other activities while the other students attend to a lesson or lecture. If the child has spatial processing difficulties, she may benefit from clear labeling of areas of the classroom and resources available in the classroom. Or if he suffers from anxiety, he may benefit from small group activities or a separate area for reading or just relaxing when he feels stressed. Also, a developmentally challenged student will benefit from clearly outlined and consistent schedules, which can help her transition between activities. The teachers and their assistants should document their successes, as well as what does not work, to report back to the parents and specialists.