Exceptional learners: an introduction to special education / Heward, William L.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The purpose and promise of special education -- Planning and providing special education services -- Collaborating with parents and families in a culturally and linguistically diverse society -- Mental retardation -- Learning disabilities -- Emotional and behavioral disorders -- Autism spectrum disorders -- Communication disorders -- Deafness and hearing loss -- Blindness and low vision -- Physical disabilities, health impairments, and ADHD -- Low incidence disabilities: severe/multiple disabilities, deaf-blindness, and traumatic brain injury -- Giftedness and talent -- Early childhood special education -- Transitioning to adulthood.

Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special Education, Thirteenth Edition, is a general introduction to the characteristics of exceptional learners and their education. (Exceptional is the term that traditionally has been used to refer to people with disabilities as well as to those who are gifted.) This book emphasizes classroom practices as well as the psychological, sociological, and medical aspects of disabilities and giftedness.