Identification of special needs refers to the process of identifying children who have a disability or are at risk for developing a disability that can affect any or all areas of development and learning. Research provides strong evidence that early care and intervention can lessen or eliminate the negative impact of having a disability or being at risk for having one. This is why it is so important to identify all children with special needs as early as possible. This entry provides information about the process and procedures used to identify children with special needs, including those that are mandated by law and considered best practice in the field.