A review of current and completed research relating to youth aged 14-17 with special educational needs (with special emphasis on research relevant to the British educational context) reveals that, to date, most research has examined the needs of young people with special conditions rather than focusing on a broader cross-section of all young people with special needs. Methodologically, many of the studies have been limited by being small-scale, lacking in theoretical awareness, or being purely descriptive. Particularly needed are more prospective longitudinal studies to give a more complete picture than do currently prevalent retrospective studies. In addition, little information exists in the area of the continuity of support that a disabled individual might be expected to receive during and after childhood. Among those areas in which further research is needed concerning educational needs of special needs students are the following: target group, organization of provision, special schools, further education sector, curriculum, attainment, careers education and guidance, work preparation, employment experience, unemployment, social and emotional development, assessment, training, support services, and information dissemination. (MN)