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.

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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

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Sensitivity

See special.

Other Word Forms

• special-needs
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of special needs

First recorded in 1895–1900

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

special needs

At the same time, she said, the demands on teachers have risen as more students exhibit autism, developmental issues and other special needs; there are also more students struggling with English as a second language.

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

Moreover, when students leave public schools for private academies, the students left behind are disproportionately special needs students who cost more to educate.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

As for your other concerns regarding our new student August, please note that he does not have special needs.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio

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