Virginia AHPERD_SpringSummer2026

designed instruction to access and make progress in the general educational activities for this age group.

(Virginia Department of Education, 2022)

Intellectual disability is “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.” [34 CFR §300.8(c)(6)] (Department of Education, 2004) Speech challenges are noted in special education law as Speech/Language Disorders. The definition of Speech Language Disorder is noted below: significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.” [34 CFR §300.8(c)(6)] (Department of Education, 2004) It is important to note the wide diversity of Speech Language Disorders. Walking difficulties, such as clumsiness and a wide-based walk gait are all characteristics of Ataxia. The Mayo Clinic defines the disorder as “Ataxia describes poor muscle control that causes clumsy movements. It can affect walking and balance, hand coordination, speech and swallowing, and eye movements (Mayo Clinic. (2024b). Epilepsy — also known as a seizure disorder — is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be identified. In others, the cause is not known (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Epilepsy is common. It's estimated that 1.2% of people in the United States have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is much smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. Sometimes detected at birth, microcephaly often occurs when there is a problem with brain development in the womb or when the brain stops growing after birth. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Children with microcephaly often have developmental issues. Although there's no treatment for microcephaly, early intervention with speech, occupational and other supportive therapies may help enhance a child's development and improve quality of life (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Intellectual Disability

Speech challenges, ranging from not speaking at all (nonverbal) to only using a few words

Walking difficulties, such as clumsiness and a wide-based walk gait (Ataxia)

Epilepsy

Microcephaly

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS, 2026), Angelman Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 12,000 to 1 in 20,000 live births, though some estimates suggest a prevalence as high as 1 in 10,000. Research indicates the condition occurs with equal frequency across all sexes and ethnic groups. Benefits of the Recess Setting for Students with Angelman Syndrome

Benefits of the Recess Setting for Students wit Angelman Syndrome Recess is a set time during the school day that allows for children to have free, unstructured play and social interac tions. The following chart, Chart #2, notes AS characteris-

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disor ders and Stroke (NINDS, 2026), Angelman Syndrome af fects approximately 1 in 12,000 to 1 in 20,000 live births, though some estimates suggest a prevalence as high as 1 in 10,000. Research indicates the condition occurs with equal frequency across all sexes and ethnic groups.

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