Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (CYSHN)
Programs
- Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis
- Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
- Follow Along Program
- Longitudinal Follow-up for Newborn Screening Conditions
Related Sites
Contact Info
Children and Youth with Special Health Needs
Regional gatherings
Join MDH for a series of in-person regional gatherings across Minnesota during summer and fall 2026 for Supporting Well-Functioning Systems for CYSHN and Families.
Staff work together to champion the health and well-being of people living in Minnesota with special health needs and disabilities from the earliest stages of life through transition to adulthood.
Explore trusted resources for families and professionals, including child development, health care, financial supports, mental health services, rare disease information, and community programs.
Access data, reports, and dashboards on the health and well-being of children and youth with special health needs in Minnesota.
Who are CYSHN?
Children and youth with special health needs (CYSHN) have or are at an increased risk for physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. They may require more specialized health and educational services to thrive. Each child's needs may vary.
How many children in Minnesota have a special health need or disability?
About one in every five children in Minnesota lives with a special health need. Estimates of children with special health needs in Minnesota is over 270,000.
Supporting CYSHN
There are significant differences between the health and well-being of CYSHN and their families compared to children without special health care needs, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health. Supporting children and youth with special health needs requires collaboration among families, health care providers, local public health, educators, community organizations, and other partners. Together, these systems help children and youth access the services, supports, and opportunities they need to thrive.