What exactly is a special needs child?

[Anonymous]

Maybe this has been discussed before. Can someone please tell me how a child is determined to be special needs? I heard that even common food allergies will put a child in the special needs category i.e. peanut, milk, etc...

If every child's issues were seen as special needs wouldn't 60% of the population be special needs then?

Just wondering because DS has mild sensory issues, has a hard time sitting still in large crowded areas or very structured settings such as circletime. He also has periodic quirky obsessions. I don't want to mention any labels on the application but at the same time I need to be honest because they'll find out soon enough anyhow if they admit him. What do I do??

[Anonymous]

In my opinion (just as a mom utilizing this board), that can range from an actual disability (cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, profound autism, spina bifida, genetic disorder, etc.) to something less immediately apparent like food allergies, social problems, or a need for speech therapy. I don't think the purpose of this board is to offer strict diagnostic criteria for special needs (although sometimes there can be helpful references to website that have diagnostic criteria for specific disorders), but to be inclusive in order to offer support and resources to each other. If a mom feels that her child needs the resources or support of the board, or she has a question about "special needs children" -- either profoundly affected children or just kids having problems, that's fine with me. I don't want to see any child or mom "left behind" to use a cliche.

I guess that's not an entirely helpful response, but I think a message board's definition of special needs is going to be more inclusive than a legal or school district's definition. Hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Just read your post again...sorry I didn't really absorb your question. As for your child, it seems to me that really depends on his age. Many young children have the "problems" you describe. They don't seem out of the ordinary for a certain age. Perhaps you could say more?

[Anonymous]

I'm not an expert either but I consider my kids "special needs" because their challenges adversely impact them in their everyday life and at school. From how you decribe your son, he doesn't seem to meet the criteria for special needs. His challenges seem to be situation specific and likely can be easily accomodated either by avoidance, special seating or something like a wiggle seat. Many kid also have quirks. Unless it's harming him or unreasonably distracting others, I wouldn't worry about it. This kind of behavior is seen in most young kids and teachers soon learn which kids need to sit where. Good luck.