'This sharp little book pulls no punches with its opponents (real or perceived) across the ideological battleground of special education - which if nothing else makes for a refreshing read' - Child Language Teaching and Therapy This is a book which does not dodge the issues. It encourages the reader to reflect on special educational needs from a political/ecological perspective and in doing so informs and stimulates' - Pastoral Care This book is designed for teachers in ordinary and special schools and student teachers. It presents a number of perspectives on special needs, coming from a range of professionals and others, and shows that 'special needs' is a complex and multifaceted concept which cannot easily be described. Readers are encouraged to develop their own perspectives in the light of the views presented here. The contributors consider: legal definitions of special education; the medical model; psychological assessment; individual and family therapies; speech therapy; sociological perspectives; self-advocacy and the curriculum; teachers' views of special schools; and parents' views. This unique book presents a problematic concept in an accessible manner, and encourages personal reflection on practice.