In this course, students examine various areas of exceptionality, including learners with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, sensory impairments, language disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, multiple and severe disabilities, other health impairments, and special gifts and talents. We cover characteristics of children with these disabilities across the varying severity levels and developmental differences as seen through cognitive, linguistic, psychomotor, emotional functioning. We review patterns of normal and abnormal development, including physical, psychomotor, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development. Models, theories and philosophies that provide the basis for special education practice are also addressed. Students will understand ethical issues related to the standards of professional practice. We address legal definitions and mandates related to general and special education, litigation, characteristics, medical aspects, etiology, prevalence and educational adaptations for each area of exceptionality. Issues confronting individuals across the lifespan are discussed. We examine response-to-intervention (RTI), multi-disciplinary team responsibilities, the Individual Education Program (IEP) process, placement procedures, various service delivery systems and family issues.