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# special needs

phrase (noun phrase, plural; adjective use: special-needs, a special needs teacher)

«special needs» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (official, polite) extra needs a person has because of a learning difficulty, illness or disability, especially pupils who need extra help at school.
2. (pet care) extra care an animal needs.

### In the lessons

Used in schools and official papers in place of older, hurtful words; official, all regions. Newer terms: SEN, SEND (UK), additional needs, disabilities.

### Examples

- The school has a teacher for pupils with special needs.
- My cousin has special needs and goes to a great school.
- The special needs class went on a trip to the farm.
- The dog shelter has a special needs puppy that is blind.
- Children with special needs get extra time in tests.
- The school's special needs team meets every week.

### Note

Never use it as an insult ("are you special needs?" is cruel). Many people now prefer "disabled" or "additional needs". Plural "needs".