Students diagnosed with more than one learning disability are sometimes referred to as dually diagnosed, twice exceptional, or having comorbid disabilities. These students qualify for services in more than one academic area or in other areas of exceptionality. They typically have complex needs and require careful assessment, planning, and instruction to be successful in school. Learn helpful practices that can increase classroom achievement and learning for twice exceptional students.
1. Assessment of Dual Diagnoses - Team Test Dually Diagnosed Students
Team Assessments involve several types of professionals. In most cases, team assessment can ensure that all factors affecting a student's learning are identified and can determine which and how many disabilities apply. Evaluators share their results and report their findings in an integrated report. These comprehensive reports identify specific areas of strength and weakness in speech, language, all areas of academics, aptitude, psychological health, physical functioning and health, behavior, and sensory functioning.2. Developing the IEP for Dually Diagnosed Students Requires Collaboration
Developing an effective IEP for dually diagnosed children is complex. Input by all professionals involved is essential to determine problems and possible causes to develop appropriate treatments, specially designed instruction, and therapies.For example, a student with expressive language disabilities may also have underlying physical problems that must be addressed by a speech pathologist with training in oral-motor disorders before language therapy can be provided. Specialists in areas of medical concerns can also provide valuable input in the program development process.
