special needs

plural noun

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

Related formsspe·cial-needs, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for special needs

Contemporary Examples of special needs

Her candidacy set off a controversy about whether she was neglecting her children, in particular her special-needs baby.
The Right Subjects Wendy Davis to Litmus Tests No Male Would Ever Face
Kirsten Powers
January 24, 2014
School districts are required by law to provide services for special-needs kids.
The Real Juvenile Offenders
Daniela Drake
June 22, 2013
And the only moments of pathos were watching Rick Santorum talk about his special-needs 3-year-old, Bella.
A Crying Toddler Viral Video Reflects Cranky, Exhausting Election
Michelle Cottle
November 2, 2012
With so many able-bodied people out of work, why would Markell choose to focus on the special-needs community?
Democratic Gov. Jack Markell, GOP Rep. Pete Sessions Unite to Help Disabled Find Jobs
Eleanor Clift
July 18, 2012
Sue has boundless love for her special-needs sister, so none to spare on anyone else.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week
Starsky + Cox
July 8, 2011

British Dictionary definitions for special needs

special needs

special educational needs

pl n

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
(as modifier)special-needs teachers

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012