1. The Origins of Special Education in Psychology Syd Hanson 2. Overview Before the brain was established as the organ of the mind, it was believed that nothing could be done to improve any type of mental handicap Reflects Francis Galtons theories of intelligence being in a fixed measurement for life 3. Moving Forward Discoveries of localized brain functioning, such as Brocas area, sparked the idea that mental impairments were the result of a physical malfunction of the brain 4. Jean Marc Itard/ Victor of Aveyron 1799 Hunters in Southern France spot naked boy in the woods Came under the care of Jean Itard who attempted to educate Victor by reawakening the boys senses 5. Edouard Seguin Student of Itard and Father of Special Education Believed any mentally handicapped child could make progress similar to Victors Argued retardation was not a disease of the brain, but a lack of early development Continued to develop Itards physiological teaching method which inspired modern special education methods Ended up opening several schools dedicated to special education 6. Samuel Howe/ Laura Bridgman Seguins counterpart in America made director of schools for the blind and deaf Adopted Sequins teaching method, and set to work educating Laura Bridgnman, a deaf/blind girl Attempted to form connections in her brain through her remaining sense of touch After a eureka moment Lauras language faculty kicked into high gear and she became a successful writer Poetry, books, journal