In clinical diagnostic and functional development, special needs refers to individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological.

What is considered a special needs person?

Special needs individuals have a mental, emotional, or physical disability. Special needs can include many different medical or mental impairments from autism to epilepsy to visual impairments.

What are examples of special needs?

Special needs can range from people with autism, Asperger syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, blindness, deafness, ADHD, and cystic fibrosis. They can also include cleft lips and missing limbs.