12 lectures, Dornach, June 25–July 7, 1924 (CW 317)

“Essentially we do not really have the right to talk about normality or
abnormality in a child’s inner life, nor indeed in the inner life of human
beings altogether.... One does not gain much from such labeling, and
the first thing to happen should be that the physician or the teacher
rejects such an assessment, and goes further than saying that something
is clever or sensible according to the way people are habitually thinking.”
—Rudolf Steiner

Speaking in 1924, when general attitudes to people with special needs were
far from enlightened, Steiner gave this seminal lecture course to a small
group of teachers and doctors as a basis for their future work. In the current
cultural context, regressive ideas such as social Darwinism and eugenics were
not only tolerated but popular (some 15 years after these lectures were delivered,
the Nazis initiated their so-called euthanasia program). In contrast, Steiner—who
had, as a young man, successfully tutored a boy with special needs—was
devoted to the progressive task of special education and, in the words of one
of those present, “gave the course with pleasure and satisfaction.”

Steiner describes polarities of illness and derives courses of treatment from
a comprehensive analysis. He considers many individual cases in detail and
gives indications on therapeutic exercises, diet, and medicine. The “I,” he
states, relates directly to the physical body, and the spirit and soul need to
be considered when making diagnoses. Throughout the lectures, Steiner
offers valuable advice for the self-development of educators, emphasizing
the need for enthusiasm, humor, and courage.

As with Steiner’s lectures on agriculture, this course has had a huge
international impact, inspiring the establishment of hundreds of schools
and communities for people with special needs, including the Camphill
and Steiner special-education movements. Revolutionary in approach,
the far-reaching perspectives of these lectures are a living source of
inspiration to both professionals and parents, as well as anyone seeking
spiritual insight.

This new edition features a fresh translation, introductory material, notes,
color plates, and an index.

Education for Special Needs is a translation from German of
Heilpädagogischer Kurs (GA 317).