special needs

American  

[spesh-uhl needz] / ˈspɛʃ əl ˈnidz /

plural noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. the special educational requirements of those with learning difficulties, emotional or behavioral problems, or physical disabilities.

---

special needs British  

plural noun

1. 1. the educational requirements of pupils or students suffering from any of a wide range of physical disabilities, medical conditions, intellectual difficulties, or emotional problems, including deafness, blindness, dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioural problems

   2. ( as modifier )

      special-needs teachers

---

Sensitivity

See special.

Other Word Forms

• special-needs
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of special needs

First recorded in 1895–1900

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

special needs

Nicholas DiZoglio, vice chair of the school committee, has wondered whether the district should reorganize its four K-8 schools into an elementary school, a junior high and a collaborative school for students with special needs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

Police said John had once been a special needs student at the elementary school, though at the time of the shooting he was not enrolled in any school within the Bend district's system.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

“I also had my sister, who had moved in with us and is special needs, and her son. So I had a lot going on at the time.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

The Guardian reports internships designed to secure work for young people with special needs should be put on "turbocharge" to help tackle the youth job crisis.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

But the way I figure it is, Who doesn't have special needs?

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---