“Special needs have generally been identified through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Young children who have been diagnosed as having developmental delays, or any child who has been evaluated as having one of a limited list of disabilities specified in IDEA are considered as having special needs when they require special education and related services (20 U.S.C. 1401 and 34 C.F.R. §300.8). Nearly 7 million children with disabilities receive special education services under IDEA, including 270,000 infants and toddlers, 715,000 preschool-age children, and 6 million students from ages 6 through 21 (U.S. Department of Education, 2007).” (Brennan & Rosenzweig, 2008)
Brennan, E.M, & Rosenzweig, J.M. (2008, May). Parents of children with disabilities and work-life challenges: Presentation summary. Presented at the Alfred P. Sloan Work and Family Research Network Panel Meeting, Chestnut Hill, MA.