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
adjective
or special needs
special-needs children
a special needs teacher
Examples of special needs in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the most critical lifelines for families with special needs, Medicaid provides not only healthcare but also long-term services like home care and respite assistance.
—
Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Vouchers would be set at certain dollar amounts depending student’s grade level ($5,000 for K-8, $10,000 for 9-12, and $15,000 for students with special needs).
—Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Bevan said his immediate goals are to build awareness for the brand as quickly as possible by networking with trainers, gyms, studios, governments and special needs organizations.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
Something very special at the Brea location will be workshops for kids and adults with special needs, including sensory-friendly environments and flexible pacing.
—Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for special needs
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Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Vouchers would be set at certain dollar amounts depending student’s grade level ($5,000 for K-8, $10,000 for 9-12, and $15,000 for students with special needs).
—Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Bevan said his immediate goals are to build awareness for the brand as quickly as possible by networking with trainers, gyms, studios, governments and special needs organizations.
—Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
Something very special at the Brea location will be workshops for kids and adults with special needs, including sensory-friendly environments and flexible pacing.
—Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for special needs
Cite this Entry
“Special needs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20needs. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Linda Perlstein, Newsweek
special-needs
adjective
special-needs students
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