Understanding your child’s needs is the first step toward getting the right support. This page offers clear, family-friendly explanations of all 13 categories of disabilities recognized under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
These categories help determine if a child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). They don’t define the child — they help us understand how to support them.
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The 13 Disability Categories:
1. Autism Affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Every child with autism is unique.
2. Deaf-Blindness A rare combination of hearing and vision loss that causes severe communication and learning needs.
3. **Deafness** A significant hearing loss that affects communication and access to sound.
4. **Developmental Delay** Used for younger children (ages 3–9) who are behind in areas like speech, movement, or learning.
5. **Emotional Disturbance** Ongoing emotional or mental health struggles that affect learning and relationships.
6. **Hearing Impairment** A hearing loss that affects learning but is not as severe as deafness.
7. **Intellectual Disability** Affects thinking, problem-solving, and learning new skills.
8. **Multiple Disabilities** Two or more disabilities that together cause more complex learning needs.
9. **Orthopedic Impairment** Physical disabilities that affect movement or coordination.
10. **Other Health Impairment** Includes health conditions like ADHD, epilepsy, or diabetes that affect energy, focus, or learning.
11. **Specific Learning Disability** Difficulty with reading, writing, or math, even though the child is smart and tries hard.
12. **Speech or Language Impairment** Trouble speaking clearly or understanding language.
13. **Traumatic Brain Injury** Brain injuries from accidents or trauma that affect learning, memory, or behavior.
14. **Visual Impairment (Including Blindness)** Partial or full loss of vision that affects learning and daily life.
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Each of these categories has a full explanation available on its own page with: - What the disability means - What it might look like in a child - How the school can help - How Laurie supports families and staff
> “Your child’s challenges don’t define them — but they can help us find the right path to support.”
**Need help understanding which category may apply to your child or how to start the process?** Call or text Laurie at **580–302–0136.** I’m here to help you take the next step with confidence.