I have just statred special education teaching.  I am really interested
That is a great field to get in to. Helping people with special needs achieve a higher level of self suffciency and success in school and life is so important.
I am interested in intellectual disabilities.  Is creating self sufficiency in children difficult?
I'm sure it has it challenges at times, but extremely rewarding. States require special education with federal standards as a condition to receive federal funding. That is a great policy.
I believe that is the right policy.  A teacher must be well educated to meet the needs of these children.
Special education
Special education (also known as special-needs education, aided education, exceptional education, special ed. or SPED) is the practice of educating students in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. These interventions are designed to help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community which may not be available
; in this way, they are able to recognize their "special people" early on.
Children as young as four years old have a sense of self that is based on some salient attributes that the child considers important and is maintained over time, for example, “I am the strongest or fastest boy in my class” or “I am smart; I figure things out easily” or “I am good at helping people”. Identities are often imposed or at least encouraged by environmental or cultural forces.