Special needs

Special needs

In Canada, the term “special needs” in clinical diagnosis and functional development is used to describe people who need help because of a disability that may be medical, mental or psychological. For example, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases Manual, 9th edition, both provide guidelines for establishing a clinical diagnosis. The importance of special needs varies widely. Children with autism, Down syndrome (trisomy 21), dyslexia, blindness, ADHD or cystic fibrosis may be considered to have special needs. However, children with a hare’s beak or palate crack, wine stains or missing limbs may also have special needs. By law, all public schools in Quebec must offer a special education program. However, this may not be possible in all schools. Parents may have to enrol their child in a school outside their school zone or choose to enrol their child in a private special education. This may be difficult for some parents because of the costs, although some provinces/territories provide full funding to allow children to attend these schools. Specialized schools are available to children with physical, mental, behavioural or communication disorders, as well as gifted children.

•   Central Quebec School Board – EHDAA Committee–   EasternShores School Ommission – Contact List   Lester B. Pearson School Board – EHDAA Committee   New Frontiers School Board – Frequently Asked Questions About Students with Special Needs   Riverside School Board – EHDAA Committee   Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board – EHDAA Committee   Western Quebec School Board – An accompanying guide for parents of a child with special needs