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

The biggest hurdle was how to best communicate such a complicated subject to my special needs child. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Erskine, 97, played alongside Jackie Robinson and was a relentless champion of racial equality, human rights and people with special needs. —John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2024

In addition to their spina bifida diagnoses, Kelly has worked as a teacher with children with special needs for the past 24 years. —Susan Young, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024

The foundation hopes to roll out its first demo at St. Cloud High School in spring 2025 with about 20 students with special needs. —Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 26 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