This course introduces students to the variations in development of individuals with special needs, with special emphasis on children ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Content includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws related to children with special needs, and identification and referral processes. The course covers various categories of disability, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, visual and hearing impairments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and giftedness.