Developmental Cognitive Disabilities
Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD) is defined as a condition that results in intellectual functioning significantly below average and is associated with concurrent deficits in adaptive behavior that require special education and related services.
Students are labeled either as DCD Mild-Moderate and DCD Severe-Profound.
Evaluation Planning Guide - MasterPlease refer to the Evaluation Planning Guide for information on the assessments needed and who to involve.
Interview Forms
Parent
Parent Interview - DCD (Adaptive Skills): The parent is asked to describe performance in each of the adaptive skill areas and then estimate independence using labels that refer to how much help is needed. The rating labels correspond to the four criteria-based labels (e.g., intermittent, pervasive, etc.), but parents may find them more accessible. (Click here for a Google Form version)
Adaptive Skill Rating Form - Parent: The parent is asked to estimate independence in each of the adaptive skill areas using the criteria-based labels of intermittent, limited, extensive/frequent, and pervasive. (Click here for a Google Form version)
Interview Form for Students with Multiple/Complex Needs: This interview form might be used for students who quality under the Severely Multiply Impaired (SMI) category.
Student
DCD Student Interview: Gathers data on interests, social activity, school performance, and home living. (Click here to make a copy)
Teacher
Teacher Interview - DCD (Adaptive Skills): The teacher is asked to describe performance in each of the adaptive skill areas and then estimate independence using labels that refer to how much help is needed. The rating labels correspond to the four criteria-based labels (e.g., intermittent, pervasive, etc.). (Click here for a Google Form version)
Adaptive Skill Rating Form - Teacher: The teacher is asked to estimate independence in each of the adaptive skill areas using the criteria-based labels of intermittent, limited, extensive/frequent, and pervasive. (Click here for a Google Form version)
Observation Forms
Systematic DCD Observation Form: This form should be completed as a team after multiple observers have completed separate observations. The team shares results from their observations and completes this form together to determine the most accurate picture of the student's functioning.
DCD Observation Form - Checklist Format: The observer indicates which listed behaviors are observed and then estimates the student's level of independence. There is space for comments. (Click here to make a copy)
DCD Observation Form - Narrative Format: The observer completes a narrative and estimates the student's level of independence. (Click here to make a copy)