Special Needs & Disability Module 1 – Study Guide Understanding Differences & Similarities

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🔵 Learning Aim

Learners will:

Understand different Special Needs and Disabilities

Recognise similarities and differences

Learn how conditions affect daily life

Build empathy and awareness

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🟡 Why This Module Matters

People may look similar — but think, learn, and feel differently.

Understanding this helps us:

Support others better

Reduce stigma

Improve inclusion

Communicate more effectively

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🧠 Condition Comparisons

Learners will compare conditions to see what is:

The Same

Different

Similar

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1️⃣ ADHD & Autism

Similarities:

May struggle with social interaction

May feel overwhelmed

Can experience sensory sensitivities

May find school/work stressful

Differences:

ADHD	Autism
Hyperactivity common	May be quiet or withdrawn
Impulsive behaviour	Prefers routine
Short attention span	Deep focus on interests
Acts quickly	Thinks carefully / literally

Interaction:

ADHD → may interrupt

Autism → may avoid conversation

Sensory:

Both may struggle with noise, lights, crowds

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2️⃣ Dyslexia & Autism

Similarities:

Processing difficulties

May struggle in school

Anxiety around learning

Differences:

Dyslexia	Autism
Reading & spelling difficulty	Social communication difficulty
Letter/word confusion	Literal thinking
Writing challenges	Understanding emotions

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3️⃣ Dyslexia & ADHD

Similarities:

Difficulty following instructions

Memory challenges

School frustration

Differences:

Dyslexia	ADHD
Literacy based	Attention based
Reading & writing	Focus & behaviour
Slow processing text	Fast but distracted thinking

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4️⃣ Processing Information

Learners explore how people process differently:

Verbal instructions

Written instructions

Visual learning

Practical learning

Examples:

Dyslexia → needs written + visual support

ADHD → needs short, clear steps

Autism → needs structured instructions

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5️⃣ Sensory Differences

Conditions affected may include:

Autism

ADHD

Dyspraxia

Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensory areas:

Noise

Light

Touch

Smell

Crowds

Impact:

Anxiety

Meltdowns

Withdrawal

Fatigue

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🧩 Activity Task

Learners complete a comparison table:

Condition	Similarities	Differences	Support Needed

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🛠️ Support Strategies

Examples learners should identify:

Quiet spaces

Extra time

Visual aids

Routine plans

Assistive technology

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❤️ Reflection Task

Learners discuss:

How differences affect daily life

How stigma harms people

How to be supportive