This fact sheet is intended to help Navigators identify what issues are unique to children and youth with special health care needs so that they can assist their families as they make decisions related to their healthcare coverage. Click here for a pdf version of this Fact Sheet Q1. What do I need to know about children and youth with special health care needs (CYSCHN)? A. “Special Health Care Needs” is a broad umbrella term that covers a broad range of children and youth with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau defines CYSHCN as: “those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.” 1 According to the 2009/2010 National Survey of Childrenwith Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN), more than one in five families (23%) has at least one child with specia
Formerly Family Voices IN/About Special Kids. We provide answers and resources to families and professionals who are involved in the upbringing of children with complex medical conditions, mental health diagnoses and physical/intellectual disabilities.