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

Meanwhile, Stinchcombe has launched an investment advisory arm that now manages more than $1 billion for special needs and other trusts. —Francesca Walton, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

And the possible effects on kids with special needs could be compounded by Trump’s radical-indoctrination executive order. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025

In addition to awarding private-school scholarships, Step Up distributes state money for expenses like tutoring, textbooks and therapy for families who educate their children at home or have students with special needs. —Annie Martin, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025

The agency, tasked with fostering student achievement, also administers programs for disadvantaged students and those with special needs, enforces non-discrimination policies in schools and supports federal college loan programs. —Nikole Killion, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025

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