special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

students with special needs

special-needs

ˈspe-shəl-ˈnēdz 

adjective

or special needs

special-needs children

a special needs teacher

Examples of special needs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Begnaud and Kisner first met several years ago at Great Beginnings Early Education Center, where both had children with special needs attending classes. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Amanda Karolkiewicz was a substitute teacher, children’s book author and advocate for special needs children, NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit reported. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 28 July 2026

As challenging as the raccoon mother’s role is while raising her young, raising a kit with special needs likely requires extra energy and patience. — Kelly Lambert, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Kids with special needs benefit from using items to develop and master these skills, such as jigsaw puzzles, art sets, or modeling dough. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special needs

• centipedes
• intercedes
• millipedes
• supersedes
• accedes
• concedes
• exceeds
• impedes
• misdeeds
• misleads
• oilseeds
• precedes

Kids Definition

special needs

plural noun

: any of various difficulties (such as physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment) that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations (such as in education or recreation)

special–needs adjective

Medical Definition

special needs

noun plural

: the individual requirements (as for education) of a person with a disadvantaged background or a mental, emotional, or physical disability or a high risk of developing one

Some urban homeschooled kids, particularly those with special needs, were previously enrolled in school but not served well there.

—Linda Perlstein, Newsweek

special-needs adjective

special-needs students