Characteristics Matrix 9 Disabilities
Characteristics Matrix 9 Disabilities
Academic Characteristics
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Behavioral Characteristics
Social Characteristics
Hyperactivity
Self-harm
Tantrums
Inappropriate emotions for a
given situation (i.e.,
inappropriate crying or
screaming).
Struggle with chronic
unhappiness and depression.
Mood swings.
May have multiple cooccurring disorders (e.g.,
depression, anxiety, OCD
etc).
Classroom disruptions (e.g.,
getting out of seat, talking,
being argumentative etc).
Strengths
Academic Characteristics
Behavioral Characteristics
Social Characteristics
Strengths
Tendency to interrupt
others during a
conversation (Hyperactiveimpulsive type).
Can be isolated and lonely.
Deficits in social skills and
communication.
Trouble forming
interpersonal relationships.
Trouble maintaining
appropriate personal space
with others.
Increased energy.
Has the ability to focus
on one thing and can
usually excel in that one
thing.
Low self-esteem
Poor self-concept
Isolated and lonely at times
Rejected from peers.
May struggle with some
social situations.
Socially awkward
Can be extra friendly
Lacks social skills to get the
attention of the teacher
Dependent on others for
help
Academic Characteristics
Orthopedic Impairment
(muscular / skeletal)
Behavioral Characteristics
Depression
Anxiety
Trouble with fine and gross
motor skills.
Get tired easily
Chronic pain
Isolation
Social/Mobility
Characteristics
Depression
Fall down often.
Irritable.
Feel helpless
Withdrawn
Strengths
Social isolation
Coordination difficulties
Muscle weakness
Lack of physical endurance
to move around.
May be ashamed of their
disability and not want to
make friends.
Difficulty communicating
with others
Adaptive, learn to
live with their
disability.
Limited mobility.
Need to use wheelchairs,
cane, or orthotics for
mobility.
Social isolation.
Spasticity in muscles.
Uncoordinated.
Limited to complete
mobility, depending on
severity.
Trouble with motor skills
Dependent on others for
help
Academic Characteristics
Hearing Impairment
(Deaf/Hard of Hearing)
Visual Impairment
Blind / Visually Impaired
Behavioral Characteristics
Social/Mobility
Characteristics
Strengths
Academic Characteristics
High-functioning Autism
Behavioral Characteristics
Social Characteristics
Strengths