Within ACL 4 High, adults with a cognitive disability who have a history of abstract information for decades before the onset of a cognitive disability display the following pattern:
- The use of abstract information is called word dropping when an associated word is inserted into the conversation incorrectly.
- Reading comprehension of abstract words is rarely attempted. When a person claims to be reading, they may skim through the headings and extremely limited content like just a paragraph summary.
- If the person has never functioned higher than their current level, they fail to understand that there are other people who may be higher functioning than they are and are highly defensive if challenged. They are dependent on others to assist or have learnt to survive on their own through trial and error.