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

Stewart's also advising families on how to pick a summer camp if their child has special needs. — Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 24 June 2026

The center formerly served people like Ross, who took an upholstery class there, and adults with special needs who were part of separate programming. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

In a Facebook post, officials said the child may have special needs and is estimated to be 3- to 4-years-old. — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues told ABC News the announcements create more chaos for families with special needs. — Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 16 June 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