Common Disabilities and Behaviors

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities are provided with free, appropriate education. Community advocates (case managers, foster parents, CASAs, attorneys and other advocates) use this chart when advocating for children with disabilities protected under federal law. The chart, developed in partnership with pediatric residents from Emory University, outlines common disabilities that may result in behavior issues and their associated symptoms and behaviors. Advocates can refer to this chart (particularly in a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) meeting) to show that a child’s behavior was a manifestation of their disability.