"Disabilities" vs. "Special Needs"

by Kristina Chew · 2009-04-28 14:12:00 UTC
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When my son was younger, I often found myself saying that he had "special needs" and was in "special ed." "Special" was a codeword for Charlie being "different" and, at that time, these terms seemed the best way for me to explain about him to any strangers; to the other parents who were waiting to pick up their children outside the school. Over the years, with Chariie growing older, I've spoken more and more of him as having "disabilities" and being "disabled," with "special needs" striking me more and more as terms more in use for children (though it is used reference to adults).

Which do you use? In your experience, are different terms used more in reference to children and others to adults?

Some might say that this is just a matter of words and semantics. Being the mother of a boy of limited (but powerfully expressed) words, I've learned that even the smallest syllable uttered, not to mention a single word, can change the meaning of everything.

Kristina Chew
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