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

See Examples For:

special needs

Ahead of reforms to special needs support, "families scramble to secure Send plans", according to the Guardian.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

Three sessions were provided to children 5 or younger and 40 to children with special needs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

Moreover, when students leave public schools for private academies, the students left behind are disproportionately special needs students who cost more to educate.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

This week Quentin Fottrell — the Moneyist — helped a woman whose son lives alone but has special needs, with his expenses covered by a trust.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 26, 2026

Because of his status as a special needs student, Boobie hadn’t taken the course until his senior year.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger