There was a time when special needs education was not addressed, or even discussed! There are many adults in this day and age who stumbled their way through their school years struggling with special needs that all bear labels now, but received no recognition then. Throughout the years, however, recognition was finally given to children with special needs, and, thankfully, many programs have been born out of those needs. And, again thankfully, the struggling children who grew up into adulthood all those years ago can now find the assistance that will give them relief from the struggles that grew up with them.
A learning disability can stem from multiple sources. However, whatever the cause, a learning disability can be a painful source of frustration for anyone. Special needs education provides a way for children to handle the effects of a learning disability while addressing the emotions that accompany this diagnosis. So much has been learned about learning disabilities. One very important fact is that many, or most, special needs children will prosper, even excel, if they are taught differently. Of Americans surveyed, 79% agree that children do learn in different ways. This is becoming a fact, not just a thought.
The world of education now provides many different approaches to teaching and helping children with special needs. Not only are special education departments an established component of public schools, but there is private education for special needs students as well. Private schools for special needs children now exist in every state of the country, offering programs of different levels depending upon the needs of each student. In addition, private autism schools have been created for the benefit of students struggling with different degrees of autism. These schools are run by staff members who have been educated and trained in all aspects of this type of special need. Many schools for autism offer dorm rooms where students can live during the school year, providing them the time needed for extra curricular help that is offered on-premises in the evenings.
Private asbergers schools welcome students who have been diagnosed with asbergers syndrome, a type of high functioning autism. This is a level of autism that usually includes students of all ages who are extremely intelligent, commonly at an above average level. They might even seem to be gifted in some areas and will have a strong interest in a particular area that may consume a lot of their attention. Children and adults with asbergers syndrome require a tremendous amount of structure and a rigid routine. They may not react well to schedule changes. For this, they will do better if they have advanced warning of any change that is going to be implemented.
Children as well as adults with asbergers syndrome sometimes have a sensitivity to certain senses; for instance, certain smells or loud noises. They often find it difficult to express to others what they need or want. Often their vocabulary is on a sophisticated level; yet, they struggle expressing themselves when it comes to the practical use of language.
There are still schools that lack the tools and teachers who are equipped to work with special needs children. Of parents surveyed who have a child with a learning disability, 37% feel that their child’s school does not provide effective or adequate testing for special needs students. Statistics show that in 2011 33% of special needs students were held back and had to repeat the grade they had just completed. In addition, 50% of learning disabled children were either suspended or expelled that same year. Many parents would much prefer their child be placed in a school where special needs education is the focus, and rightly so.
Special needs education provides for learning disabled students the type of classroom situation they need in order to continue moving forward. Teachers are specially trained to use the tools and methods that focus on helping these students to not only excel, but also to build them up as individuals, teaching them to handle life situations and circumstances. They learn surrounded by other students who they have something in common with; they encourage each other and learn together. It is a process of not only academics, but also of emotional growth.