The evolving definition
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Course Text: Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education
Note: For each chapter, read the designated sections up to “Educational Approaches”
Chapter 4, “Intellectual Disabilities” (pp. 132–1 47)
Chapter 5, “Learning Disabilities” (pp. 172–179, 181–182, 184–192)
Chapter 6, “Emotional or Behavioral Disorders” (pp. 213–2 21, 224–233)
Chapter 7, “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (pp. 257–265, 268–2 71)
Chapter 8, “Communication Disorders” (pp. 297–3 14)
Optional Readings and Resources:
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
http://aaidd.org/
National Down Syndrome Society
http://www.ndss.org/
“Understanding Learning Disabilities”
Division of Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children
http://teachingld.org/understanding-ld
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
http://www.ccbd.net/
The National Autism Association
“The Language of Autism”
IDEA 2004: “Definitions of Disability”
http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/,root,regs,300,A,300%252E8,
Challenging Myths and Stereotypes
Children with special needs have been subjected to numerous stereotypes, assumptions, and generalizations over the years—the label “mentally retarded” being one of these. Review “The Evolving Definition of Mental Retardation/Intellectual Disabilities” (pp. 135–136) from your course textand consider the following:
What you have learned about the use of labels
The evolving definition of mental retardation/intellectual disabilities
The current debate over both the definition and terminology associated with this category of special needs
By Day 3:
Based on what you have been learning in the course and the material that you have read, Post the following:
Whether you believe the term “mental retardation” should be changed to the term “intellectual disabilities,” and why.
Any terms, stereotypes, myths, and/or generalizations that you have become aware of thus far in this course, and how your future work as an child development professional can help to dispel harmful misconceptions.
