What Are the Different Types of Special Education Students?

The different types of special education students include those with physical, emotional, mental, behavioral, learning, developmental, and communication challenges. Students are placed into special education classes if they have disabilities or disorders that interfere with learning in a traditional classroom. Special education classrooms and resource rooms are generally equipped with specialized learning devices and a smaller student to teacher ratio.

Some special education students have physical disabilities. Blind or deaf students often require special learning devices not offered by the conventional classroom. Students who have physical disabilities that impair speech or movements required for writing or speaking may be placed in special education classes where they can receive more specialized attention from teachers.

The category of special education students includes those with mental health issues and brain injury. A student who has suffered a traumatic brain injury often requires a different teaching approach, specialized instructional tools, and personalized attention. Mentally delayed students, in general, study in special environments that allow for a slower pace, content repetition, and greater supervision. Sometimes, there may be a kid on the autism spectrum who is naturally good in advanced Science or Math subjects. In these cases, a personal high-level tutor may be necessary to cope with their interest and skills so they don't get bored with topics that may be too easy for them.

Some autistic students are placed in special education classrooms. The challenges that come with this disorder vary across individuals. Many autistic children experience delays in language development and social skills. Some experience no reaction to sounds, while others are highly sensitive to noise and physical contact. The placement of some autistic children in special education classrooms often creates greater comfort for the student and facilitates a more focused approach to learning.

Behavioral disorders are also reasons behind placing students in special education classes. A child with a conduct disorder, for example, might be placed in a special education classroom because he is continually disruptive and needs a greater amount of attention from teaching staff. Students with attention-deficit disorders are considered special education students in instances where their learning needs cannot be met in a traditional classroom. A child lacking in impulse control may require an adapted teaching environment and specialized attention as well.

Some special education students suffer from mental and emotional health issues such as depression, anxieties, or phobias. In these situations, the condition keeps the student from participating in classroom activities, inhibiting learning. A special education resource room that allows for greater individualized attention is sometimes helpful in these cases. These placements are sometimes debated by parents who believe that the special education label might harm their child, especially if they feel that the condition is temporary and can be treated outside of school.