What Are the Four Types of Special Needs?

The term “special needs” is often used to describe a wide variety of conditions or differences, particularly in children. It is a catch-all term and doesn’t adequately represent any one individual's strengths or challenges. In fact, some people prefer not to use the term, and instead use the exact diagnosis or other wording they feel more accurately describes them. 

Since special needs is a term many parents and educators are already familiar with, we use it on our site, interchangeably with other identity-first terminology when appropriate. We’re breaking down the different kinds of needs or challenges children might have, that could be considered special needs. 

There are 4 main developmental areas where children may need extra support:

Physical/Gross motor: Some children have gross motor delays or challenges due to an underlying condition like muscular dystrophy or because they have low muscle tone, etc. Children with developmental disabilities may also struggle with gross motor tasks. Physical disabilities also refer to children who need assistance walking, wheelchair users, etc. 

Developmental disabilities: Autism, down syndrome, fragile-x syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia are considered developmental disabilities. A developmental disability can affect one or more areas of development and looks different for every child. Some children with developmental disabilities may need extra support, and others may need minimal support, but all deserve accommodations and a sensitive and caring educational environment.

Behavioral/Emotional: Anxiety, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), depression, mood disorders, PTSD, bipolar, etc.

Hearing or Vision: Children who are deaf, blind, or have vision or hearing loss may need support and accommodations at daycare or school. 

A child may be born with a disability, or one may develop later in childhood. Either way, children with special needs are protected by the U.S. Department of Education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA states that free early intervention and special education services are available for every child who qualifies. 

Disabled children are also protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination from occurring in schools, daycare settings or other public spaces. 

What do I do if I think my child has special needs?

If you are concerned about your child’s development, your first step would be to consult your pediatrician. They can help connect you with early intervention or special education services or a specialist who may be able to support your child. 

Some pediatricians prefer to take a “wait and see” approach or are not quick to refer children to outside specialists or special education services. If this is the case and you really want your child to be evaluated, you do not need your pediatrician’s help or consent to request an evaluation through early intervention or your local school district. 

• Early intervention: Early intervention is for children from birth to age 3. You can usually access early intervention through your county’s health department. All you need to do is call them and let them know you are interested in scheduling an appointment for an evaluation and what your concerns are. They will assign you to a point person who will help you through the process until your child is deemed eligible or ineligible for services. 
  • If your child is not eligible for services through the county, there are private-pay providers and providers who accept insurance. You can contact your insurance company and ask them for a list of therapists (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy) in your area who take your insurance. 
• Special education services: Once your child is preschool aged, they will age out of early intervention and will receive services through your local school district, instead of the health department. They may recommend a certain school or classroom for your child, or they may have your child’s therapists visit them in their preschool or daycare. If you are looking to have your preschool-aged child evaluated for services, you can reach out to your local school district and ask to speak to someone in the early childhood special education department (or the information may be on their website)

What should I look for in a childcare provider if my child has special needs?

Obviously, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every child, but things to pay attention to would be: 

• Are the materials accessible, and are there plenty of visuals or auditory signals to support a variety of learning styles?
• Are there various seating options available so that all children can be comfortable?
• Is the program inclusive and inviting? Are there images, books, and representations of children with physical disabilities?
• Are there service providers on-site (speech, occupational therapy, etc.), or is there a quiet area where outside providers can work with children 1:1?

At the end of the day, you know your child best and should trust your gut on whether a provider is a good fit for your child. You can search for providers offering special needs care in your area on Winnie!