This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the exceptionalities protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Using the definitions listed in IDEA, Friend thoroughly explains the cognitive, emotional/social, and physical characteristics of each exceptionality and provides information regarding prevalence, assessment, academic supports, parent perspectives, and transition plans for each. Friend advocates against the deficit mindset which has pervaded cultural thought and emphasizes the importance of assessing the individual for their specific strengths and abilities.
Overall, this textbook is an excellent introduction to Special Education in America.
This book is okay. It has some really good information, but it needs some updating in the areas of Autism. The problem is that some areas is special education is ever evolving and once it’s put in print, it’s already out of date. The other issue is the misrepresentation and under-diagnosing of females isn’t addressed. 🤷🏻♀️
This was my textbook for a graduate level course on exceptional students. It's a good book in the sense that it gives you a solid overview of most disabilities as well as current legislation that affects educators as well as the students that they are responsible for teaching. It's not the most recent edition, so it doesn't have the most up-to-date NCLB info, but it's still quite helpful and I plan to keep it around as a resource.