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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Sensitive Note

See special.

Other Word Forms

• special-needs adjective

Etymology

Origin of special needs

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

It’s a reminder that not everything special needs to be complicated.

From Salon

After it closed in 1968, the Lions Club acquired the whole site and turned it into a camp where disadvantaged young people and children, and groups with special needs, could stay during school holidays.

From BBC

Louise works with children with special needs and while she said "finding out that you don't have a perfect baby is never easy to hear", she was not fazed.

From BBC

When education funds are sent to school districts, the size of the payments is based on the number of students, how often they show up for class and their special needs.

From Los Angeles Times

He was a waiter, a tow truck driver and an aide to students with special needs.

From Los Angeles Times