12/04/2026
The main developmental and learning disorders that may affect student behaviour.
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Students with ASD can experience challenges with social communication, understanding social cues, and sensory processing. In the classroom, this might look like difficulty with group work, becoming overwhelmed in noisy or busy environments, or struggling with changes to routine. Some students may also show repetitive behaviours or become distressed when things don’t go as expected. Behaviour is often a response to anxiety or sensory overload rather than intentional disruption.
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can affect a student’s ability to focus, control impulses, and stay organised. In the classroom, this might show up as fidgeting, calling out, difficulty staying seated, or starting tasks but not finishing them. These students often want to do the right thing but find it hard to regulate their attention and energy levels, which can sometimes be misunderstood as “not listening” or “being disruptive.”
3. Specific Learning Disorders (like dyslexia or dyscalculia)
These affect how a student learns in specific areas such as reading, writing, or maths. For example, a student with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluency and spelling, while dyscalculia affects number understanding. Behaviour-wise, students might avoid tasks, become frustrated, act out, or shut down because they’re finding the work too difficult or stressful. A lot of the time, this is linked to embarrassment or fear of failing.
4. Intellectual Disability
This involves limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviours, meaning students may take longer to learn new concepts and need more support with everyday academic and social tasks. In the classroom, this can lead to confusion, frustration, or dependence on adults for guidance. Sometimes behaviour challenges come from not fully understanding instructions or feeling overwhelmed when tasks are too complex.
