Foundations of Special Education - Paperback

by Michael Farrell (Author)

A unique cross-disciplinary critique of the foundations of Special Education.

• Covers legal, conceptual, medical, pharmacological, neuropsychological, social, behavioural, cognitive, psychotherapeutic, psycholinguistic, technological and pedagogical foundations
• Provides examples of how each foundation provides insights or practical contributions to special education generally, and to specific disabilities and disorders in particular
• Delivers information across all major types of disorder/disability in a single volume, creating a must-have reference for anyone involved in special education training, research or teaching

Back Jacket

Foundations of Special Education introduces readers to the disciplines and perspectives that underpin and inform modern-day special education, particularly of pupils aged five through sixteen years. It illustrates the wide-ranging contributions of these fields, and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in contemporary special education.

The book aims to stimulate a reconsideration of training and support for special educators and others by indicating the complexity of the field. It seeks to encourage multi-disciplinary perspectives and work practices by outlining the sheer range of disciplines involved in the modern-day field of special education.

The disciplines and perspectives covered include legal, medical, social, cognitive, neuropsychological, psycholinguistic, and pedagogical. Main types of disorder and disability are considered from these perspectives, including cognitive impairment, anxiety and depressive disorders, autism, reading disorder, hearing and visual impairment, and disruptive behaviour disorders.

Author Biography

DR MICHAEL FARRELL is a special education consultant working with children, parents, schools, local authorities, voluntary organisations, universities and government ministries. His many books on special education, which are translated into European and Asian languages, include: Educating Special Children: An Introduction to Provision for Pupils with Disabilities and Disorders (2008) and The Special Education Handbook (fourth edition) (2009).