The digest briefly summarizes the characteristics and current trends in special education programing for exceptional children. Exceptional children are described as having physical, mental, or behavioral handicaps and ranging in age from birth to 21. Requirements of basic federal legislation (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and recent amendments are briefly described. Incidence information as well as a listing of program options are provided for gifted students, children with physical handicaps, children with mental handicaps, children with behavior disorders, children with speech and language disabilities, children with learning disabilities, and children with specialized health care needs. Two trends in special education are also identified. First, children with disabilities are receiving special education services earlier and second, a change in the public's attitude toward employment of people with handicaps has led to more instruction in vocational skills and assistance in the transition from school to community life and work. Three references are included. (DB)