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Exceptionality

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • 14 Accesses

Synonyms

Abnormality; Atypical; Disability; Extraordinary

Definition

Having some degree of difference from an established norm in a specific skill area. Exceptionalities may include characteristics including disabilities as well as special gifts and talents. An individual with a noted exceptionality may present a need for special education or supports in relation to a disabling condition or due to special talents or abilities such as mental giftedness. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may present exceptionalities that are below what would be normally expected in some areas of function and may also present exceptional abilities above the norm in others. The term “exceptionality” is often used interchangeably with the terms “disability” and “special need.” Many state statutes use the term “exceptionality” to denote categories of disability. Autism is one example of a category of exceptionality.

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References and Reading

  • Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities; Final Rule, 2004, 4000-01-U Department of Education 34 CFR Parts 300 and 301, Part II.

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  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004, 20 U.S. C., et. seq.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, Harrisburg, PA, USA

    Michael Miklos

Authors
  1. Michael Miklos
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Miklos .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

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Miklos, M. (2020). Exceptionality. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_383-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_383-3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6435-8

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