SEGUIN, EDOUARD (1812-1880)
Edouard Seguin (1812-1880) was a French physician and neurologist who developed a groundbreaking theory of developmental disabilities. His work, which focused on the education and care of people with intellectual disabilities, was influential in the early development of special education.
Definition
Seguin was a French physician and neurologist who developed a groundbreaking theory of developmental disabilities. He proposed that intellectual disabilities were caused by a lack of development of the nervous system, specifically the brain. He argued that these disabilities were not caused by intellectual deficiency, but rather by neurological impairments. He proposed that appropriate interventions could help individuals with disabilities to lead productive and meaningful lives.
History
Seguin was born in 1812 in Paris, France. He received his medical degree from the University of Paris in 1843. He was appointed as Professor of Neurology at the University of Paris in 1848. During this time, he conducted research in the field of mental retardation.
Seguin’s work focused on the education and care of people with intellectual disabilities. He was influenced by the work of Itard and Esquirol, and he developed a system of education for these individuals. He developed the concept of “orthopedic education”, which focused on physical activities and sensory stimulation to help improve the individual’s motor and sensory abilities. He also proposed a system of moral education, which focused on developing the individual’s sense of morality and responsibility.
Seguin’s work was influential in the early development of special education. His theories and methods were adopted by educators and physicians in the United States, France, and other countries. In the United States, Seguin’s work was influential in the development of the American School for the Deaf, the American School of Osteopathy, and the New York Training School for Feeble-Minded Children.
References
Dawson, P. (2010). Edouard Seguin: From Paris to the American School for the Deaf. American Annals of the Deaf, 155(2), 103-110.
Feuerstein, R., & Falik, L. (2011). Edouard Seguin: The Pioneer of Orthopedic Education. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 49(1), 3-12.
Giangreco, M. F., Edelman, S. W., & Broer, S. M. (2010). Historical Perspectives on Seguin’s Education for People with Severe Intellectual Disabilities. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 16(2), 91-97.
Kaufmann, S. (2006). Edouard Seguin: The physician who changed the lives of the mentally retarded. Mental Retardation, 44(4), 279-286.
Wehman, P., Yocum, K., Dooling, S., & Thompson, J. (2007). Seguin’s Legacy in Special Education: A Historical Perspective on Education for Persons with Severe Disabilities. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 13(4), 303-308.