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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

At the front gate, Lorena Valencia said cuts to the school have been noticeable, with fewer teachers and assistants for kids with special needs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

It’s a reminder that not everything special needs to be complicated.

From Salon • Feb. 3, 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