Characteristics of Multiple Disability
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Characteristics of Multiple Disability |
children who are suffering with severe or Multiple Disability may show different characteristics according to their age and severity of disabilities.
Intellectual Functioning
Individuals with Multiple Disability usually have low IQ (Intelligence Quotient) which can be 35 or below for severe disabled. Mostly schools measure a student's intellectual functioning or Cognitive abilities by conducting intelligence test. which may not be appropriate for all students because a student with Multiple Disability may lack in academics. Students or Individuals with severe impairments will only learn to respond to the situation around them, make eye contacts, track objects with eye etc. Some advance ones will learn to count money, measure time or other literacy skills .
These students or Individuals may feel isolated, They have tendency to withdraw from society, In the unexpected changes students with Multiple disability or severe impairments may feel afraid or upset.
Adaptive Skills
Adaptive Skills include conceptual, social, practical competencies for age-appropriate functioning in specific community settings.
Conceptual skills include money counting, measurement of time, concept of number and language skills.
Social skills include social responsibility, interpersonal skills and the ability to follow rules and laws made by a community.
Adaptive skills or adaptive behavior is a set of all these three skills that have been learned by the individuals to function in their everyday life.
Individuals with multiple Disability face problems in performing their activities of daily living (ADL) consists of dressing, grooming, toileting, eating and simple household chores.
Motor Development
Students with Multiple Disability usually produce abnormal muscle tone. they face difficulty in sitting and moving. Standing after sitting or sitting after standing. some may have increased muscle tension which is called Spasticity. Due to abnormal muscle tone, the ability to perform daily living activities such as eating, dressing, grooming, bathroom is difficult.
Sensory Functioning
Hearing and Visual impairments are common among individuals with Multiple Disability. We cannot say that they are totally or completely blind or deaf but sever that they need special instruments or instructions in developing communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important for teachers, caregivers, and professionals working in the field of special education to understand the characteristics of multiple disabilities. By recognizing the unique challenges and diverse needs that individuals with Multiple Disabilities may face, we can create better interventions, support systems, and educational strategies to enhance their quality of life.