This book challenges readers/students to think beyond the facts and to apply knowledge in new ways. This authoritative introduction to young children with special needs focuses on characteristics of the children, setting, family, and process — rather than on interventions — and emphasizes child development as the basis of assessment and diagnosis — the foundation upon which effective interventions are built. Current, comprehensive, and readable, it considers the newborn and infant/toddler group as well as preschoolers, and addresses contemporary issues such as inclusion, technology, multiculturalism, and play, etc.