ABSTRACT
Disability is an evolving concept and is defined differently in various national documents. Research studies suggest the need to cater to the needs of Children with Special Needs (CWSN) to foster their holistic growth. Thus, it is important to understand the concept of disability and who all come under the term CWSN. Studies have also laid emphasis on the importance of early identification and assessment of CWSN for their academic, social and individual growth. Through this article, the researcher has tried to focus on present status of CWSN, their identification and the assessment procedures. This article is a part of an M.Phil research study following a descriptive research design wherein qualitative data was collected through open-ended semi-structured interviews and observation schedules. The population of the study includes children with intellectual disabilities, namely specific learning disabilities, autism and mental retardation, class teachers, special educators, school counsellors and school principals. The sample consists of 35 interviewees wherein, 20 CWSN (mental retardation, autism and special learning disabilities) and 15 service providers including: school principals, school counsellors, special educators and class teachers. Data was collected from two schools in Delhi. The qualitative data collected, was analysed and interpreted using thematic and narrative analyses. To meet the objectives, Disability Certificates have also been reviewed. This research study intends to report the ground realities which would guide the service providers to cater to the specific educational needs of CWSN thus helping in reducing the challenges that they face.
