Exceptional Children

Ch 21-2

Children with Special Needs Some children have needs that are very

diffferent then the average child. These kids fall into two categories:

Special needs Special abilities/ Gifted

Gifted- a child that has a special ability in one or more areas, such as math, english, etc.

Both can effect the way a child functions in school and the world.

Parents can really impact the outcome of these children’s futures

Types of Disabilities Disabilities can be physical such as mobility,

vision, hearing, etc. Disabilities could only effect emotions or the

ability to learn. Disabilities can be emotional

Learning Disabilities Learning Disability- interferes with a child’s

ability to learn, speak, read, write or do math Children with a learning disability often have

average or above average intelligence, but achieve below their potential.

Most learning disabilities are discovered when kids are 7-12 years old and standardized testing starts.

Dyslexia- prevents a person from understanding printed symbols in a typical way these kids are often very intelligent They often have a hard time with directions (left and

right)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder ADHD- a behavioral disorder that is

commonly accompanies other learning disorders

Kids with ADHD: Don’t finish what they start Don’t seem to listen Get distracted easily Always active and have a hard time staying in seat Some show lack of emotional control

ADD is similar, but kids are not overactive.

Speech and Language Impairments Speech and language impairments can cause

many educational issues It is important that these impairments are

diagnosed and treated early on to give the child the best chance at success.

Mental Retardation Also known as a cognitive impairment or

developmental disability These children have below average intelligence and

skills Children with mental retardation may have

difficulty: Thinking and learning Paying attention Remembering Communicating Interacting with others

Can range from mild to profound No cure! Mental retardation can be genetic or from injury

Serious Emotional Disturbances Children with emotional disturbances:

Inability to learn that can’t be attributed to any other factor

Problems building and maintaining relationships Inappropriate behavior or feelings General unhappiness or depression Irrational fears

Parents often will deny that there is a problem Treatment includes:

Counseling Strict educational/ behavior plan

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD) Autism effects 1 in every 500 children It appears in the first 3 years of life Kids with autism or ASD may:

Have a hard time with change Have no empathy Don’t make eye contact Repeat phrases or words Repeat movements or play Distress without cause Lose skills already learned

The earlier a child gets help, the more functional they can become.

Parents should seek help if: Kids don’t coo by 12 months Becomes overly attached to 1 toy or object Is withdrawn

Hearing or Visual Impairments Often a hearing impairment accompanies a

speech impairment It can be challenging to educate children with

a visual impairment in the traditional way.

Physical Disabilities Just because someone has a physical disability

does not mean they have any mental impairment!!

Teachers have to be prepared and flexible when planning, so that a physically disabled student can be included.

Assignment Choose one of the categories of exceptional

children and investigate a career related to that category.