Health issues
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Which health conditions are classified as special needs?
The term ‘special needs’ covers a huge number of different health conditions, as well as learning difficulties and behavioural problems. There are many different types of health condition that may be included under the umbrella term of special needs; these include:
- Physical disabilities
- Sensory illnesses
- Congenital conditions, such as cerebral palsy
- Serious health conditions, such as cancer
- Down’s syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Chronic conditions, such as asthma
Children or adults with any of the conditions listed above, as well as many other health conditions, may require additional help to enable them to live a full life. Children may require help at school, for example and adults may need help around the home to carry out everyday activities. Children and adults with special needs are often referred to a specialist care team, which caters for all aspects of their healthcare. For example, someone with a physical disability will be cared for by a team which may include specialist nurses and doctors, physiotherapists and occupation therapists.
Some people with special needs may have health issues as a result of their condition. For example, a child with a congenital condition may develop other health complications and they may therefore require ongoing treatment and attention. Children with congenital conditions usually attend regular medical appointments to allow doctors to monitor their general health and progress and address any developing conditions as early as possible.
