All children show differences from each other in terms of physical characteristics and learning difficulties. The differences between most children are quite slight, allowing them to benefit from the general education program. Heward (2014) stated that the physical characteristics and/or learning characteristics of exceptional children differ from the norm, both above and below, to such an extent that an individualized program of special education and related services is required to achieve the maximum value from education. The term exceptional children includes children who have understanding and learning difficulties, as well as those whose academic levels are so advanced that changes in the academic curriculum and instruction are needed to help them realize their potential, Heward (2014) said. sensory disabilities or impairments, learning and/or behavioral problems, and children with superior intellectual abilities and/or special talents (Heward, 2014). Learning the terms of several related terms will help you better understand the concept of exceptionalism. Heward (2014) stated that there are thirteen categories of disabilities such as learning disabilities, speech or language disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional disorders, autism, multiple disabilities, developmental disabilities. retardation, hearing impairment, orthopedic disorders, vision impairment, traumatic brain injury and deafblindness. Before 1975, many states had laws that denied children with disabilities access to public education. After the first public law (P.L. 94-142) for special education was passed in 1975 and called the All Handicapped Children Act, children with disabilities were allowed to attend a public school...... half paper... .. and related services. Parental input and wishes must be considered in determining IEP goals, related service needs, and placement decisions. “The Individuals with Disability Act had a great impact on the way education was taught in the United States. IDEA was created to improve the way education is taught to children with disabilities and children without disabilities. Special education as a whole has faced many challenges. Educators have worked to narrow the gap between effective teaching practices and what exceptional children experience in the classroom. IDEA components have also had a major impact on the roles of educators within the American system and on the lives of people with disabilities. Works CitedHeward, W. L. Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Merrill.