Montessori philosophy recognizes parents as an integral part of a child's education. The structure in a Montessori classroom allows freedom of movement and free choice of activities. This encourages the development of independence, initiative and decision making. Children interact socially through most of the school day, which fosters enriched natural school opportunities. Lessons in grace and courtesy from teachers aid the development of positive social skills.
Older children serve as models, which can decrease negative or maladaptive behavior.
All of this benefits children with special needs who, as a group, tend to have lower social skills and less independent behaviors, and who make few choices that actually affect the events of their day. The Impact of Policies for Handicapped Children on Future Early Education Policy. Phi Delta Kappa, October, 1989. Pages 121-123 Montessori, Maria. The Discovery of the Child.