Boles 1

Carl Boles
Mrs.Debock
English IV
11 November 2014
The Education of the Mentally Handicapped
Mentally handicapped children are thought to be ignorant or not able to learn, but in all
reality, special needs children are some of the most intelligent people in the world. About 10
percent of people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) display a remarkable abilities known as
savant skills (Sousa 187). Mentally handicapped children should be given the same chances to
learn and the tools needed to help them learn. There is a wide range of learning disabilities
including Autism, Downs syndrome, and Aspergers syndrome. Although these children have
learning disabilities, it does not mean they are incapable of obtaining education or have the
ability to live out their lives how they wish to.
Firstly, research states that Autism spectrum disorders are more common in the child
population than some better-known disorders, such as diabetes, spina bifida, or Down syndrome
(Sousa 180). Children with Autism find it more difficult to interact in social instances such as
class, parties, or even just walking down the hall with other students. Autistic savant (Savant
Syndrome) is the term used with people that have Autism show strong mental abilities including
numbers, memory, or artistic abilities. Teachers with Autistic students need to know how they
learn and things they interact with, this way the children will find it easier to learn and actually
absorb the lesson taught. Most children with ASD tend to use pure intellect instead of emotion o
guide their social interactions, to help them learn, use visual aids whenever possible to help them

Boles 2

organize their work and day (Sousa 191). As well, these students need structure, so the activities
given should: organize their materials, give clear instructions, provide stability, establish
patterns, provide consistency and predictability, and increase independence. If any of this
information given is used, teachers may find it easier to teach their students with Autism.
Secondly, children with Downs syndrome sometimes have cognitive delays which
means they very rarely have trouble talking, using physical movement, or being able to express
how they feel. 1 in 691 new borns are diagnosed with Downs syndrome every day (Down
Syndrome Facts). Teachers can use many different methods to teach students with Downs
syndrome, like using pictures to describe something, for example: A is for apple and show a
picture of an apple. Other methods can include reading to them or acting out situations they do
not understand. Children diagnosed with Downs syndrome are very outgoing and can live a full
and happy life with a little help from friends and family. Individuals with Down syndrome are
becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations, such as school,
health care systems, work forces, and social and recreational activities (Down Syndrome
Facts).
Finally, the last mental handicap listed is Aspergers syndrome. Aspergers is a form of
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and is a type of Autism that is much worse and has some of
the same symptoms of Autism. This mental handicap makes children lack in communication
skills, eccentric or repetitive behaviors, unusual preoccupations or rituals, a limited range of
interests, coordination problems, and are very skilled and talented (Teachers and Social Skills).
Students with Aspergers syndrome are usually skilled in the classroom but cannot always show
it. Teachers must realize that not two people are the same, this applies to students with
Aspergers as well. Students with Aspergers show most problems in social skills, not much

Boles 3

academically, these students should be taught in that aspect before being taught in an academic
aspect.
Most students with a mental handicap are intelligent, and show it easily. These same
students also show problems in communication and socializing with others. There is no need to
get frustrated or angered by their inability to learn, they will learn, maybe not as fast as others,
but they will take all the education given and will use it for the rest of their lives. A mental
handicap should not be seen as a problem, it should be seen as almost a gift that these children
are more intelligent and more academically skilled than a lot of children without a mental
handicap in their age range.

Boles 4

Works Cited
"Down Syndrome Facts." - National Down Syndrome Society. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.

Savant Syndrome Savant Syndrome. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.

Sousa, David. "Autism Spectrum Disorders." How The Special Needs Brain Learns. 2nd ed.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, 2007. Print.
"Teachers and Social Skills." Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum DVDs, Videos and
Resources. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.