special needs

[spesh-uhl needz]

plural noun

Sometimes Offensive.

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

special needs

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

Sensitive Note

See special.

Other Word Forms

• special-needs adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of special needs¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A man allegedly stabbed three staff members at a Torrance school for children with special needs Monday and threatened that he had a pipe bomb before he was taken into police custody, according to news reports.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today, only three children with special needs still live on the property.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She recounted several events throughout her life that she claimed led her to attempt to take her own life, including childhood familial abuse, difficulties with her special needs son, her son Christopher’s death and her proximity to the 9/11 attacks in 2001, according to the letter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Together, Bronstein and Byrne spoke to women who have children with special needs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"I don't feel like mainstream staff have got the right training to be able to deal with some of the special needs of the children."

Read more on BBC