Special Needs

A special need is a difficulty or disability that requires extra or different support from what is typically provided to people of the same age. While the term is often used in an educational context, it applies to any individual with long-term mental or physical impairments that substantially affect their daily life. The term "special needs" is broad and includes a wide variety of conditions. 

Common types of special needs

In an educational setting, special needs are often categorized into four broad areas: 

• Communication and interaction: Includes speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) that make it difficult for an individual to express themselves or understand others. It also includes Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

• Cognition and learning: Covers a range of needs where individuals learn at a slower pace than their peers. Examples include:

  • Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), such as dyslexia (reading), dyscalculia (math), and dyspraxia (coordination).

  • Learning disabilities, such as Down's syndrome, Williams syndrome, or more general learning difficulties.

• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties: Involves conditions like anxiety, depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that affect an individual's emotional regulation and social interactions.

• Sensory and/or physical needs: Includes physical or medical conditions that may impact a person's learning or daily activities. Examples include:

  • Sensory impairments, like hearing or visual loss.

  • Physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.

  • Chronic illnesses, like asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy. 

Providing support for special needs

Effective support focuses on the person's abilities rather than their disabilities and aims to foster independence and well-being. 

General principles for support include: 

• Communicate directly with the individual rather than their companions.

• Ask before you help, and don't make assumptions about what assistance is needed.

• Use person-first language (e.g., "a person with a disability") or identity-first language (e.g., "a disabled person"), depending on the individual's preference.

• Plan for inclusive activities and consider potential barriers like noise levels, crowds, or physical accessibility.

• Treat the individual with respect and as someone their age, not as a child. 

In an educational setting, support can include: 

• One-on-one assistance from a teacher or teaching assistant.

• Customized learning plans, sometimes called Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

• Adjustments to the curriculum and classroom environment.

• Use of assistive technologies and specialized equipment. 

Resources and advocacy groups

Numerous organizations exist to advocate for and support individuals with special needs and their families: 

• The Arc: Advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Special Olympics: Offers sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

• Easter Seals: Provides a range of services for individuals with disabilities, including medical rehabilitation and camping and recreation programs.

• United Cerebral Palsy: Offers services and support to ensure a "life without limits" for people with various disabilities.

• Mencap: A UK charity for people with a learning disability.

• National Autistic Society: A UK charity providing information and support for people with autism.