The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) has a core responsibility to monitor and improve services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN)–defined 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. The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) identifies CYSHCN through a validated 5-item screener that asks parents/caregivers if their child has any of the following service needs or limitations due to a health condition that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or longer:
Need or use of prescription medication(s)
Elevated need or use of medical care, mental health, or education services
Functional limitation(s) (that limit daily activity)
Need or use of special therapies (e.g. physical, occupation, or speech therapy)
Emotional, developmental, or behavioral problem for which treatment or counseling is needed