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

Derived Forms

• special-needs
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of special needs

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The money can be spent on tuition and school fees as well as textbooks, special needs, tutoring, test prep and after-school programs that benefit private- or public-school students.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 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

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

"Existing methods of supporting children and young people with special needs should be evaluated with a view to disseminating good practice and reducing the current over-reliance on classroom assistants," it said.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

She says, “Who’s helping the special needs kids there these days?”

From "The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle" by Leslie Connor