special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

students with special needs

special-needs

ˈspe-shəl-ˈnēdz 

adjective

or special needs

special-needs children

a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dustin Reed, a father of one of the special needs children refused dine-in service at the restaurant, moved the cups away from the demonstration. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024

English Language Learners and students with special needs requiring Individualized Education Plans were the farthest behind of all cohorts measured. —Christina Lengyel | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, Rounds insisted that federal programs affecting vulnerable students and those with special needs will not be gutted. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024

Though the shooter was not immediately identified, authorities in Bellevue, Wash., eventually determined the attack on Li, a father of a young son with special needs, was motivated by a bitter custody dispute. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural

: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one

Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.

—Linda Perlstein, Newsweek

special-needs adjective

special-needs students