We describe the psychological content of the special educational needs of children with developmental disabilities in the conditions necessary for optimal realization of actual and potential child capacities (cognitive, energetic, emotional and volitional) in the learning process. We discuss the causes of the special needs that are specific patterns of impaired development. Among them, the most important are a lower rate of information receiving and processing, its storage smaller volume and the shortcomings of its verbal mediation. Meeting the special educational needs is possible only under special organization and content of education, regardless of where the child with developmental disabilities learns – in conditions of special institutions or in conditions of integration, in kindergarten or general education school.