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

I am the executor of a trust for my son with special needs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Some had children with special needs who get extra help at school, and worried about them falling behind.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

She said the organisation had also come in handy for providing pants, trainers and shoes, as well as helping her to get the specific fleeces her special needs daughter required.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

The couple has three adult children, one of whom has special needs.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

Although these exercises were developed for children with special needs, they are highly applicable in developing crucial musical listening skills and for helping children recognize categories of music, instruments, and timbre of sounds.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin