Learning Disability & Inclusion

Module 1 Overview of Exceptionalities

1.1 Exceptionality: Concept and Types

Introduction

We live in a world full of diversities. Every form of living and non-living being is quite unique
and different from each other. At times we lack words to appreciate the unimaginable
creativity of God when we find that no single creation of His is an exact replica of the other.
As a result, a child comes to this earth with its own unique abilities and capacities of body and
mind. Some are fortunate enough to have extraordinary abilities or capacities, while others
are averages or even suffer from so many deficits and deficiencies since from the birth. This
gap between the abilities and capacities of the children related to their learning, adjustment
and development found at the time of their birth, may further be widened by the nature of
the environmental differences encountered by them in their nourishment and education. It
results in labelling them as exceptionally superior or inferior, capable or incapable in one or
the other aspects of their personality development.

Exceptionality

Exceptionality is defined as any condition or situation that may significantly interfere with a
child’s ability to learn in school. This could be a physical or mental condition or a social
condition such as having a single parent. At some time or other, practically all school teachers
will have exceptional children in their classrooms. These children can become contributing
members of the community. It is consistent with a democratic philosophy that every child has
the right to education—the right to receive help in learning to the limits of his capacity,
whether that capacity be small or great.

The term ‘exceptional’ means different things to different people. Some use it when referring
to the particularly bright children or the child with unusual talents, others use it when they
refer to any typical or deviant child.

Definitions

According to Telford and Sewrey (1972), to be exceptional is to be rare or unusual.”

Cruickshank (1974) defines an exceptional child as “a child who deviates intellectually,

physically, socially, or emotionally so much from what is considered to be normal growth and

Yukti Gupta, Incharge, Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Special Education & Assistant Professor,
Department of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
 Learning Disability & Inclusion
development that he cannot receive maximum benefits from regular school programme and
requires a special class or supplementary instruction and services.”

Kirk, Gallagher, Anastasiow and Coleman (2006): “Exceptional child is a child who differs from
the average or normal child in

(i) mental characteristics

(ii) sensory abilities

(iii) communication abilities

(iv) behaviour and emotional development, or

(v) physical characteristics

These differences must occur to such an extent that child requires either a modification of
school practices or special educational services to develop his or her unique capabilities”.

Types of Exceptional Children

Some exceptional children share certain physical characteristics and/or patterns of learning
and behaviour. These characteristics fall into the following categories of exceptionality:

Classification of Exceptional Children

Learning Disability

Intellectual Disability

Neuro-Developmental Autism Spectrum

/Intellectual Exceptional Disorder

Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Exceptionalities

Gifted

Visual Impairment

Sensory Exceptional Hearing Impairment

DeafBlindness

Cerebral Palsy

Physical Exceptional

Muscular Dystrophy
Speech and Language
Exceptional

Yukti Gupta, Incharge, Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Special Education & Assistant Professor,
Department of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
 Learning Disability & Inclusion
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Learning Disability: Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to

▪ Understand or use spoken/Reading or written language (Dyslexia & Dysgraphia)

▪ Do mathematical calculations (Dyscalculia)

▪ Coordinate movements (Dyspraxia)

▪ Planning, organization, strategizing or direct attention (Executive Functioning)

▪ Interpreting nonverbal cues (Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities)

Intellectual Disability: Intellectual disability involves problems with general mental abilities
that affect functioning in two areas:

▪ Intellectual functioning (such as learning, problem solving, judgement)

▪ Adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent

living)

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and
restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

▪ Most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood

▪ It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood

▪ Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive
behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly
active

Gifted: Students with gifts and talents perform or have the capability to perform at higher
levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more
domains

Yukti Gupta, Incharge, Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Special Education & Assistant Professor,
Department of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
 Learning Disability & Inclusion
Sensory Disabilities

Visual Impairment: Any kind of vision loss, whether it's someone who
cannot see at all or someone who has partial vision loss

Hearing Impairment: Hearing impairment is the inability of an

individual to hear sounds adequately. This may be due to improper
development, damage or disease to any part of the hearing
mechanism

DeafBlindness: A combination of sight and hearing loss that affects a person's ability to
communicate, access information and get around

Physical Disabilities

Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect

movement and muscle tone or posture. It's caused by damage that
occurs to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth

Muscular Dystrophy: Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive

weakness and loss of muscle mass

Speech or Language Impairment

Speech or language impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering,

impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects
a child's educational performance

Characteristics

Unique Learning Varied Cognitive Sensory Social & Emotional

Diversity in Abilities
Styles Functioning Sensitivities Differences

Communication Motor Skills Attention and Focus

Exceptional Talents
Challenges Variances Issues

Yukti Gupta, Incharge, Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Special Education & Assistant Professor,
Department of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
 Learning Disability & Inclusion

1. Diversity in Abilities: Exceptional learners can display a wide range of abilities, from
advanced skills to significant challenges in areas such as cognition, communication,
socialization, motor skills, and emotional regulation
2. Unique Learning Styles: Exceptional learners often have unique learning styles and
preferences. Some may excel in visual learning, while others may benefit more from
auditory or kinesthetic approaches. Tailoring teaching methods to individual learning
styles is essential.
3. Varied Cognitive Functioning: Cognitive abilities can vary significantly among
exceptional learners. Some may have intellectual disabilities, while others may
demonstrate exceptional cognitive abilities, such as giftedness or talents in specific
areas.
4. Sensory Sensitivities: Some exceptional learners may experience sensory sensitivities
or challenges. This can manifest as heightened sensitivity or reduced responsiveness
to stimuli such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.
5. Social and Emotional Differences: Exceptional learners may face challenges in social
interaction and emotional regulation. This can include difficulties in forming
relationships, understanding social cues, and managing emotions.
6. Communication Challenges: Many exceptional learners may have communication
challenges, ranging from speech and language disorders to non-verbal communication
difficulties. Some may require alternative communication methods.
7. Motor Skill Variances: Motor skills can vary among exceptional learners. Some may
have fine or gross motor skill challenges, impacting their ability to perform everyday
tasks or participate in physical activities.
8. Attention and Focus Issues: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
common condition among exceptional learners, impacting their ability to sustain
attention, control impulses, and regulate activity levels.
9. Exceptional Talents: Some exceptional learners may possess exceptional talents or
abilities in specific areas, such as music, art, mathematics, or athletics. Recognizing
and nurturing these talents is crucial for their overall development

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Yukti Gupta, Incharge, Arya Vidya Mandir Institute of Special Education & Assistant Professor,
Department of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai