Jean Marc Gaspard Itard was a French physician and educator born in 1775. He is best known for his work with Victor of Aveyron, a wild boy found in the forests of France. Itard aimed to teach Victor language and social skills, believing that education could help him integrate into society. Itard's methods laid the groundwork for modern special education. He emphasized the importance of individualized teaching and understanding the needs of each student. His pioneering work influenced later educators and psychologists, including Édouard Séguin, who further developed techniques for teaching children with disabilities.