What Are the Different Types of Special Needs?

There are many different types of disorders, disabilities, and diseases that affect people and inhibit their ability to do certain things on their own. According to the CDC, 26% of adults (61 million people) in the United States have some kind of disability. When these disabilities require extra help, it is often referred to as having “special needs.” So, what are the different kinds of special needs?

• Behavioral/Emotional - Individuals with behavioral and emotional special needs may suffer from disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and more. These disorders affect how these individuals interact with other people and respond to what is happening in the environment around them.

 

• Developmental - Developmental special needs include disabilities like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, dyslexia, as well as other processing disorders. When someone suffers from one of these disorders, their development is delayed, stunted, or limited in some capacity that affects their ability to learn and grow.

 

• Physical - Physical special needs exist for individuals who have some type of physical limitation, disability, or disorder. This includes, but is not limited to, things like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic asthma, and multiple sclerosis. These disabilities limit the degree to which individuals can move or control different parts of their bodies.

 

• Sensory Impaired - There are also sensory impaired individuals with special needs, which includes the deaf, the hearing impaired, the blind, and the visually impaired. These individuals have lost total or partial use of one of their senses and often require assistance in their daily lives.

People with special needs often rely on their family and friends for assistance in their daily lives. However, not everyone is trained in the best practices for caring for an individual with special needs. Only being around family and close friends can also limit a person’s exposure to the outside world, new experiences, and interactions with people similar to themselves.

New Transitions Center is a community-based organization focused on enhancing the lives of young adults with special needs and the loved ones who support them in the Roanoke, Texas area. Our model focuses on higher need, medically fragile individuals who we provide with the highest quality of care. We achieve this by maintaining a low staff-to-member ratio, with 1 person on staff for every 4 members. Find out how you can help our mission by donating or by contacting us to join us as a community partner!