Intellectual Disabilities: Understanding and Supporting Children

What is an intellectual disability, and how can teachers support children with intellectual disabilities in the classroom? In this presentation, Laurel Doyle, an Early Childhood Education Professor and former elementary school teacher, explains intellectual disability, how it may affect children's learning and development, and practical strategies educators can use to support meaningful participation and inclusion. In this video, you'll learn about: What intellectual disability is and how it is defined Intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior How intellectual disabilities may affect learning, communication, and everyday skills Practical classroom strategies, including visual supports, modeling, and individualized instruction Supporting communication and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) Creating inclusive classrooms that recognize children's strengths, interests, and individual support needs Collaborating with families and specialists Who is this video for? Early childhood educators, preschool and elementary school teachers, special education professionals, teaching assistants, students studying education or child development, and anyone interested in supporting children with intellectual disabilities. Key Takeaway A diagnosis does not define a child's abilities or potential. Every child has unique strengths and support needs. As educators, our role is to recognize those strengths, provide individualized support, and create meaningful opportunities for learning, communication, and participation. Educational Resources American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD): https://www.aaidd.org/intellectual-disabil... American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clini... IRIS Center – Differentiated Instruction: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module... About Laurel Doyle Laurel Doyle is an Early Childhood Education Professor, former elementary school teacher, and certified Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) trainer. She creates educational resources focused on child development, teaching practices, and supporting children with diverse abilities and needs. Subscribe to Laurel Doyle for more educational videos about child development, early childhood education, special education, and inclusive teaching practices. Educational Use This video is free for educational use. Educators are welcome to link to or embed the original YouTube video in courses, learning management systems, presentations, and professional development activities with attribution to Laurel Doyle. Please do not download, edit, re-upload, or redistribute copies of this video. #IntellectualDisability #SpecialEducation #InclusiveEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeachingStrategies