Foundations of Special Education: Understanding Students with Exceptionalities
Edition: 5
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 266
Edition: 5
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 266
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This textbook introduces to the future educator theories, philosophies, and concepts surrounding educating students with exceptionalities. We examine the treatment and education of individuals with disabilities, significant litigation, and landmark legislation in special education including the principles and concepts of IDEA, characteristics, prevalence, and etiologies of each disability category, as well as instructional strategies, adaptations, and accommodations for each exceptionality. In addition, we examine current issues and future trends in special education and provide current resources to support the preparation and learning of future educators.
Acknowledgments
Author Bios
Chapter 1 Before We Begin... Foundations, History, & Legislation of Special Education
Overview
People-First Language
What Is a Disability?
Normalization
Least Restrictive Environment
Disability Categories
At Risk
Characteristics
Collaboration
Disproportionate Representation
Multicultural Approaches
Evolution of Inclusion & Equity
Historical Treatment of Individuals With Disabilities
Early Pioneers
Eugenics Movement
Sterilization
Dawn of Contemporary Special Education
Historical Ambassadors
Special Education Court Cases
Special Education Legislation
Notable Amendments to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act
From NCLB to ESSA
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 2 Learning Disabilities
Overview
Definitions
Etiology
Characteristics of Students with Learning Disabilities
Evaluation
Discrepancy Model
Multitier System of Support
Comorbidity
Prevalence
Technology Integration Across the Lifespan
Impact of Learning Disabilities in Early Childhood
Early Intervention Strategies for Parents & Professionals
Research-Based Strategies & the Science of Readings
Chapter 3 Intellectual Disabilities
Overview
History
Definitions
Eligibility
Prevalence
Etiology
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Environmental Factors
Prenatal & Postnatal Prevention Strategies
Early Intervention
Academic Achievement & Functional Performance
Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies
Multiple Means of Representation
Multiple Means of Engagement
Multiple Means of Expression
Implementing UDL in the Classroom
Multitiered Systems of Support
Transition Planning
Family Collaboration
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 4 Emotional Disturbance
Overview
History
Definitions
Classification
Gender
Discipline
Prevalence
Etiology
Educational & Behavioral Issues
Violence in Schools
Emotional Disturbance or Disability Across the Lifespan
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 5 Communication Disorders
Overview
Definition
Prevalence
Typical Development
Cultural Diversity
Speech & Language Disorders
Assessments
Nondiscriminatory Evaluation
Classroom Considerations & Strategies
Early Childhood Intervention & Working With Families
Science of Reading & Communication Disorders
Transition Planning & Community Living
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 6 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Overview
IDEA Definition
Disorders
Diagnosis & Prevalence of Autism
Determining Causes
Characteristics
Genetic Disorders in Parallel to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Historical Perspective
“On the Spectrum” What Does It Mean?
Using Effective Instructional Strategies
Autism Across the Lifespan
Research-Based Strategies & the Science of Reading
Educational Best Practices for Students With Disabilities
Transition
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 7 Deafness & Hard of Hearing
Overview
History
Definition
How We Hear
Anatomy & Physiology of the Ear
Prevalence
Identification of Deafness or Hard of Hearing
Early Childhood Intervention & Family Support
Types & Classification of Hearing Loss
Causes & Age of Onset
Characteristics of DHH Students
Educational Settings
Educational Approaches
Science of Reading & Literacy Instruction for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students
Technology Integration
Transition Planning & Community Living: Life After High School
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 8 Visual Impairments
Overview
Definitions
Characteristics of Students With Visual Impairments
Evaluation
Early Childhood & Visual Impairments
Educational Best Practices & Instructional Strategies
Expanded Core Curriculum
Transition Ages 18–21 for Students With Visual Impairments
Technology Integration
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 9 Physical Disabilities & Other Health Impairments
Overview
History
Cripple Movement & Disability Justice
Introduction to a Student With a Physical Disability & Other Health Impairment
Definitions
Characteristics
Classification
Prevalence & Gender Disparities
Types of Physical & Other Health Impairments
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Category Controversy
Prevalence
Etiology
Gender
Medication & Behavioral Intervention
ADHD & Other Conditions
Assessment
Related Services & the Court
Impact of OHI in Early Childhood
Early Intervention Strategies for Parents & Professionals
Early Childhood Dynamics & Early Intervention
Assistive & Instructional Technologies Across the Lifespan
Educational Best Practices for Students With OHI
Applied Behavior Analysis
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 10 Severe–Multiple Disabilities & Deaf-Blindness
Overview
Characteristics
Definitions of Severe Disabilities
Multiple Disabilities
Prevalence
Etiology
Educational Issues & Programming
Early Childhood & Working With Families
Definition of Deaf-Blindness
Characteristics of Deaf-Blindness
Systematic & Explicit Instruction
Assistive Technology
Sensory-Based Instruction
Community-Based Instruction
Transition Ages 18–21
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 11 Traumatic Brain Injury
Overview
Definition
Prevalence
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
Classification
Characteristics
Prevention
Prognosis
Educational Interventions
Link Between Brain Trauma & Personality Change
Early Intervention Strategies for Parents & Professionals
Research-Based Strategies & the Science of Reading
Educational Best Practices for Students With Disabilities
Transition
Summary & Conclusion
Chapter 12 Gifted & Talented
Overview
History
Definitions
Characteristics of Students With Gifts & Talents
Etiology
Prevalence
Identification, Evaluation, & Assessment
Academic Interventions
Assistive & Instructional Technologies Across Age Groups
Educational Best Practices
Impact on Early Childhood Delayed Identification
Educational Best Practices
Early Interventions for Parents & Professionals
Summary & Conclusion
References
Subject Index
Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick earned his Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas. His research agenda includes leadership/teacher preparation; expansive constructivism & strategic entrepreneurial leadership; market media mediums & social media amalgamation literacy; urbanization & acculturation issues (equity, access, unifying justice, etc.); pedagogy, strategies, & interventions; technology integration across the lifespan (digital natives & immigrants); and assessment & evaluation. Michael currently serves as a CLASS LTD’s President & CEO.
Dr. Raschelle Neild holds a Ph.D. in special education and a Master’s in deaf education from the University of Kansas and a BS in elementary and early childhood education from William Jewell College. She has taught PK-12th grade (general education, special education, and deaf education) in a variety of settings. Currently, she is the Accreditation Coordinator at Gallaudet University. Additionally, she developed the Online Deaf Learners with Disabilities Certification Program. Dr. Neild’ research agenda includes special education teacher attrition and retention, deaf learners with autism, and transition for deaf students with disabilities. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has presented at numerous local, regional, national, and international conferences.
Dr. Penny Craig earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a focus on PK-16 curriculum and technology integration in education. She spent several years teaching English and social studies in middle and high school grades to those students who struggled with learning to read, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development. Her research agenda includes ethnography, autoethnography, phenomenology, and historical biography of educational influencers. Dr. Craig is currently teaching graduate and undergraduate levels of introduction to special education and adaptive and assistive technology courses at Ball State University.