Classification And Characteristics Of Exceptional And Handicapped Children:- Agbaegbu, C.N

ABSTRACT

The proćess of identification of exceptional child can be casually done by a layperson or carefully carried out by a professional. At birth, for example, another or a nurse, can noticeany unusual characteristic of a child e.g. inability of the child tocry. If this happens, the nurse knows what to do to elicit the cry. As the child grows, his behaviours are watched by parents,neighbours, friends, grandparents. A child's sensitivity to noise(hearing potential) can be ascertained early in his life if noise isproduced with a bunch of keys at different corners of the child'sbed. The ability of the child to turn his eyes to the direction of thejingle shows that the child hears. At school, the teacher throughobservation can identify children' problems. A child's problemsbecome more manifest at school because of the excessive demands made upon the child's cognition, attention, mobility,sight etc. At every turn in the child's learning process. For properprofessional diagnosis and treatment, a child suspected ofhaving some problems is referred to a more competentprofessional for a comprehensive check-up. Referral cases can begin either from the home or from the school to the competentauthority like the school clinic, community health aids, health centreor screening facilities in hospitals or special clinics or units