What does CYSHCN mean?

CYSHCN stands for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.  Recent survey data from the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 13% of children nationwide have special health care needs.

What is a “special need”?

“Special needs” refers to any child who has or is at risk of developing chronic conditions which require health services of a type and amount not usually required by children of the same age.  This includes conditions such as asthma, ADHD, rare genetic disorders, congenital heart defects, severe allergies, developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral health needs, and hundreds of other disorders.