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

Local authorities currently receive a ring-fenced grant from the DfE to pay for special needs support, known as the dedicated schools grant.

From BBC

Oxfordshire County Council will expand its enhanced pathways provision into 40 state schools, providing a dedicate space and additional resource to support more young people with special needs, including non verbal children, in a mainstream setting.

From BBC

Chantelle works as the school's special needs co-ordinator but spends much of her time dealing with housing issues.

From BBC

Bobbitt also saw her regular kiddos: one who has special needs and uses a wheelchair and another who has diabetes and gets his blood sugar checked daily before lunch.

From Salon

Mohamad Srour, the mayor of the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab, has said that Israeli bombings have struck homes, ambulances and a school for people with special needs, leading to injuries.

From New York Times