Who Are Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)?

• 2013

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About

This fact sheet provides a definition of children with special health care needs (CSHCN). It describes them as kids who have or are at risk for chronic conditions and need more health services than other children. About 19.8% of U.S. children have these needs, often requiring complex care beyond just medication. Common issues include ADHD, asthma, and learning disabilities. Many experience functional difficulties like breathing problems or pain that affect daily life. The CSHCN Screener© is used to identify these children based on their health needs rather than specific diagnoses, aiming for better healthcare systems for them and their families.

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Tags

Focus Area: Everyday Emergency

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Nurses; Physicians; Schools & Childcare Providers

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Developmental Disabilities; Child Health Services; Chronic Disease; Health Surveys; Disabled Children; Needs Assessment

Institutions: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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