The aim is to define the fundamental concepts in special education, explain the basic principles of special education, provide introductory information about different groups of children with special needs, consider what should be taken into account in individualized education programs to meet the needs of individuals requiring special education, and explain the types of assessment approaches that can be used in family education and evaluation processes in the special education process.

This study focuses on the definition of special education, its fundamental principles, hereditary, biological, and environmental factors causing special needs, the identification of individuals with special needs, diagnostic classifications according to DSM-V diagnostic criteria, medical diagnosis, educational diagnosis, Individualized Education Plans, laws and regulations in force for special education in the world and in Türkiye, social, economic, psychological, educational, and cultural problems experienced by families with children with special needs, institutions and organizations providing services in the field of special education in the world and in Türkiye, assessment methods that can be used in special education, and the role and contribution of the family's support to the special education process.