Exceptionalchildren; Meaning, Characteristicsand Challenges.pdf

Exceptional children; Meaning, Characteristics and Challenges

1. Welcome
Submitted by
Vimala M J
Understanding Exceptional
Children: Meaning,
Characteristics, and
Challenges

2. In the most basic sense,
exceptional children are;

the ones who appear to
differ greatly or show certain
degree of variation in their
mental, physical, social and
emotional facets from other
typical kids of their age and
grade because of their
exceptionality.

3. Definition of Exceptional
Children

In the words of Telford & Swarey (1977)

Those children who deviates from the
normal in physical, mental, emotional
or social characteristics to such a
degree that they require special social
and educational services to develop
their maximum capacity’.

4. Summarization

Exceptional children as a
connotation, is an inclusive term
encompassing children with
learning and/or behaviour
problems, children with physical
disabilities or sensory
impairments, and children who are
intellectually gifted or have a
special talent.

5. Exceptional Children

Thus, as a concept, it includes not only those children who experience
difficulties in learning but also those children whose performance is so
superior that modifications in curriculum, teaching methodology and
instructions are necessary to help them fulfill their potential.

6. Mentally Retarded
Visually Impaired
Hearing Impaired
Gifted Children
Physically Handicapped
Learning Disabled
TYPES OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

7. Signs and symptoms of Exceptional
Children ; Gifted Children
Advanced Cognitive Abilities-
possess exceptional reasoning,
problem-solving, attention, and mental
skills, enabling them to process
information quickly and think critically.
High IQ - Gifted children typically
have an IQ higher than 130,
indicating exceptional cognitive
abilities.
Exceptional Memory-have
outstanding memory, which helps
them absorb and recall information
quickly and accurately.
Independent Learning-prefer to
work independently, showing
high self-motivation and a desire
to learn at their own pace.

8. Signs and symptoms of Exceptional
Children ; Gifted contd...
High Creativity and Abstract
Thinking-Often exhibit creative
thinking and problem-solving skills,
which can manifest in various forms
such as art, music, or writing.
Sensitivity and Empathy-often
possess a high level of sensitivity and
empathy, which can make them more
emotionally aware and responsive to
others.
Intellectual Playfulness-often
engage in intellectual play,
using their imagination to create
complex scenarios and stories.
Advanced Language Skills- have
outstanding linguistic skills,
including advanced vocabulary and
verbal communication abilities.

9. ADHD Symptoms
Inattention-Children with
ADHD may have trouble
paying attention or be easily
distracted.
Hyperactivity-Children with
ADHD are constantly in
motion, overactive, or talk too
much.
Impulsivity-Children with
ADHD often act without
thinking, such as interrupting
others.

10. Learning Disabilities -Symptoms
Problems with Math Skills-
Children with learning
disabilities may have difficulty
with math skills.
Difficulty Remembering-
Children with learning
disabilities often struggle with
remembering information.
Problems Paying Attention-
Children with learning
disabilities may have trouble
paying attention.
Difficulty with Reading and/or
Writing-Children with learning
disabilities often struggle with
reading and/or writing.

11. Autism Symptoms
Difficulty with Social
Interactions: Children with
autism often struggle with
social interactions.
Difficulty with
Communication: Children
with autism may have difficulty
with communication.
Difficulty with Understanding
Social Cues: Children with
autism often struggle with
understanding social cues.
Difficulty with Changes in
Routine: Children with autism
may have trouble with
changes in routine.

12. Down Syndrome Symptoms
Developmental Delays:
Children with Down syndrome
often experience
developmental delays.
Cognitive Delays: Children
with Down syndrome often
experience cognitive delays.
Speech and Language
Delays: Children with Down
syndrome may have speech
and language delays.
Social and Emotional
Challenges: Children with
Down syndrome often face
social and emotional challenges.

13. Exceptional Children- Diagnosis
Behavioral Observations:
Behavioral observations are
used to diagnose ADHD.
Assessment and Evaluation:
An assessment/evaluation is
used to diagnose learning
disabilities.
Diagnostic Criteria:
Diagnostic criteria are
used to diagnose autism.
Genetic Testing: Genetic
testing is used to diagnose
Down syndrome.

14. Treatments of Exceptional Children
Medications: Medications are often used to treat ADHD.
Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy is used to treat ADHD.
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise
and a healthy diet, are often recommended to treat ADHD.
Physical Therapy ; is used to support children with Down Syndrome.
Assistive Technology; is used to support children with Learning
Disabilities.

15. Exceptional Children Organizations
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD):
NICHD provides resources and support for exceptional children.
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA): LDA provides
resources and support for exceptional children with learning
disabilities.
Down Syndrome Association (DSA): DSA provides resources
and support for exceptional children with Down syndrome.
Exceptional Children's Association (ECA): ECA provides
resources and support for exceptional children.

16. Curriculum for Exceptional Children
Customized Curriculum- Special education schools generally
offer customized curriculum aimed at providing a child-
centered, holistic learning experience for children with
special needs.
The curriculum is designed to develop students' potential
and equip them with essential knowledge and life skills
through key learning areas such as communication,
numeracy, daily living skills, social-emotional learning,
physical education, arts, and vocational education.

17. Curriculum for Exceptional Children
contd....
Exceptional children may use assistive technologies,
such as communication devices, adapted keyboards,
or text-to-speech software, to access the curriculum and
participate in learning activities.
Assistive technology can enhance independence, improve
communication, and support academic achievement.

18. Challenges faced by Exceptional Children
Social and
Emotional
Struggles-
Frustration and Low
Self-Esteem
Extreme
Asynchronous
Development-
Gaps in
Development
Impact on Family
and Marriage-
Marital Problems
Lack of
Awareness
Among Adults-
Misconceptions
about Intelligence
Difficulties in
Diagnosis-
Masking
Abilities
Problems Adjusting
to a Program-
Difficulty in Finding
the Right Program
4
2
3
5
6
1

19. Additional Challenges
Memory Issues
Difficulty in comprehension
Poor attention and concentration
Hyperactivity and impulsivity
Weak socialisation skills
Lack of self confidence and self esteem
Difficulty in organising work and time management.

20. Ways to Overcome Challenges -
Educational Strategies
1. Differentiated Instruction: Provide individualized instruction that
caters to the child's unique needs, abilities, and learning style
2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Use multiple means of
representation, expression, and engagement to accommodate
diverse learning styles
3.Assistive Technology: Utilize assistive technology to enhance
accessibility and independence
4. Modified Curriculum: Adapt the curriculum to meet the child's
specific needs and abilities
5. Behavioral Supports: Implement positive behavioral supports to
help the child manage their behavior and develop social skills

21. Ways to Overcome Challenges-
Personal Strategies
1. Parental Support: Provide emotional support and involve
parents in the child's educational planning
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement
techniques to encourage the child's efforts and progress
3. Self-Care: Encourage self-care and stress management
techniques to help the child cope with their challenges
4. Social Skills Training: Provide social skills training to help
the child develop essential social skills
5. Emotional Intelligence: Teach emotional intelligence to help
the child recognize and manage their emotions

22. Ways to Overcome Challenges-
Environmental Strategies
1. Inclusive Environment: Create an inclusive
environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance
and empathy
2. Accommodations: Provide accommodations such as
adapted materials and instruction to support the child's
learning
3. Supportive Network: Build a supportive network of
professionals, peers, and family members to provide
ongoing support

23. Ways to Overcome Challenges contd...
 Promote self-esteem by acknowledging and
celebrating the child's strengths and
accomplishments.
Collaborate with professionals such as
psychologists,therapists and educators to develop a
comprehensive support plan.
Provide training and resources to support the
childs specific needs and abilities.

24. Evaluation of Exceptional Children
✍ Comprehensive Assessment
Evaluation of exceptional children involves a
comprehensive assessment process, including
cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and functional
assessments.
Formative and Summative Evaluation
✍Educators use both formative and summative evaluation
methods to monitor the progress of this children.

25. Evaluation of Exceptional Children
contd...
✓Authentic Assessment
In addition to standardized tests, educators use authentic
assessment methods, such as portfolios, projects, and
performance-based tasks, to evaluate exceptional children.
✓Collaborative Evaluation
Collaboration among parents,educators and other
professionals to ensure a holistic understanding of the
child’s needs to develop a study plan.

26. Responsibilities of Teachers
✣ Understanding and Empathy: Teachers should understand and
empathize with the unique needs and challenges of exceptional
children.
✣ Adaptation and Flexibility: Teachers should be adaptable and
flexible in their teaching methods to accommodate the diverse needs
of exceptional children.
✣ Individualized Instruction: Teachers should provide individualized
instruction and support to meet the specific needs of each exceptional
child.
✣ Assessment and Evaluation: Teachers should assess and evaluate
the progress of exceptional children regularly to identify areas of
strength and weakness.

27. Responsibilities of Teachers contd...
▴ Communication and Collaboration: Teachers should communicate
effectively with parents, other teachers, and support staff to ensure a
collaborative approach to supporting exceptional children.
▴ Inclusive Environment: Teachers should create an inclusive
environment that values diversity and promotes acceptance and
understanding.
▴ Positive Reinforcement: Teachers should use positive reinforcement
techniques to encourage and motivate exceptional children.
▴ Behavioral Supports: Teachers should provide behavioral supports
to help exceptional children manage their behavior and develop social
skills.

28. In conclusion, understanding and
meeting the diverse needs of exceptional
children is essential for their academic,
social, and emotional well-being. By
providing inclusive education, specialized
support, and a nurturing environment,
we can empower these children to reach
their full potential.
Conclusion

29. Related Questions
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of gifted children?
a. High IQ
b. Low IQ
c. Average cognitive abilities
d. Slow learning
Answer: a. High IQ

30. 2. What is the primary goal of special education
services for exceptional children?
a. To provide a separate classroom environment
b. To integrate them into general academic classrooms
c. To focus on speech and language development
d. To address behavioral issues

Answer: b. To integrate them into general academic
classrooms

31. 3. What is the recommended approach for helping children
with learning disabilities?
a. Providing extra practice in reading and writing
b. Using multisensory learning techniques
c. Offering emotional support and self-esteem building
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above

32. 4. What is the recommended method for addressing
behavioral issues in children with Down syndrome?
a. Special education classrooms
b. General academic classrooms
c. Speech-language pathology
d. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Programs
Answer: a. Special education classrooms

33. 5. What is the primary challenge faced by Exceptional
students?
a. Lack of awareness among adults
b. Extreme asynchronous development
c. Difficulties in diagnosis
d. Social and emotional struggles
Answer: d. Social and emotional struggles

34. 6. What is the primary organ responsible for converting the
mechanical action of the middle ear into an electrical signal
in the inner ear?
a. Tympanic membrane
b. Vestibule
c. Eustachian tube
d. Cochlea
Answer: d. Cochlea

35. 7. What is the other name for the Auditory Brainstem
Response (ABR) test?
a. Brain stem evoked response audiometry (BERA)
b. Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
c. Impedance audiometry
d. Acoustic reflex testing
Answer: a. Brain stem evoked response audiometry
(BERA)

36. 8. What is the recommended approach for developing
extraordinary traits in gifted children?
a. Providing enrichment activities
b. Encouraging critical thinking
c. Supporting emotional development
d. Offering freedom and flexibility
Answer: a. Providing enrichment activities

37. 9. What is the recommended approach for identifying
gifted children?
a. Using IQ tests and achievement tests
b. Observing their behavior and characteristics
c. Providing enrichment activities and assessing their
response
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above

38. 10. Which of the following is a common cause of
learning disabilities?
a. Genetic factors
b. Environmental factors
c. Physiological factors
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above