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(Unit 5) Topic 2: Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities for Children

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Six Categories of Exceptionalities 

​Topic 2 Page 14

Early childhood professionals at all levels agree that, generally, exceptionalities fall into six broad, but distinct categories:

1. Intellectual
This includes both children who are high achieving and gifted, as well as those who are on the lower end of the achievement scale. This may include highly capable or gifted students, as well as those with a learning disability or challenge of some kind.

2. Communicative
These children will have special learning disabilities that will involve a speech or language impairment. This may be physical or cognitive in nature, such as stuttering or being unable to verbalize. This category also includes English Language Learners (ELL).

3. Sensory
These children will have auditory, visual, tactile, or kinesthetic challenges that cause them to have an abnormal reaction to typical senses. For example, children with sensory exceptionalities may become agitated, or fearful when the volume is too loud in the classroom. Bright lights may bother their eyes more than others. Some may be overly sensitive to a strong smell.

4. Behavioral
These children may have behavioral challenges due to an emotional disturbance or social maladjustment. They may have difficulty maintaining social relationships or fitting in. Some may be disruptive, withdrawn or aggressive.

5. Physical
This includes children with orthopedic or mobility disabilities. They may require specialized equipment to help them walk, stand, or eat. Some may require accommodations that are more extensive than others.

6. Multiple Exceptionalities
These children have a combination of conditions, such as being orthopedically challenged and visually impaired. Others may have an intellectual disability coupled with a sensory disorder.

Because, not all exceptionalities are created equally, curriculum and program planning for children with exceptionalities in your program will need to be carefully and thoughtfully considered. Much like the unique characteristics of any children in your care, students with exceptionalities will not respond in all of the same ways. Each exceptionality may present its own distinct challenges, need for adjustments, or revision. 

• ​Choosing High-Quality Child Care for a Child with Special Needs by Child Care Aware​
• Special Needs Children, guest article on www.Lessons4Learners.com

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