The article states the problem of personality development in difficult life circumstances in the context of the anthropological paradigm. The actualization of this issue is associated with increase in the number of people with developmental disabilities, an assessment of their condition and increase in the availability of facilities and services in the lives of persons with disabilities. As an initial concept, an anthropological approach to research is presented, which is rarely used to solve problems of personality development in difficult conditions, which represent a significant challenge to its successful socialization. The article draws attention to the disclosure of the "law of compensation", which is equally necessary for both normal and complicated development of the individual for his ability to self-manage his own development and well-being. Special attention in the context of the anthropological paradigm is paid to the disclosure of theoretical approaches, such as: hermeneutic, ontological, phenomenological and synergistic, constituting the methodological basis for human preservation and revealing the essence of the “special person” as the focus of individual, subjective, personal, individual and universal principles. Various types of attitudes of modern society towards persons with disabilities, the conditions for the interaction of the "healthy world" and the "sick world" and the integration of people with disabilities into a full life are considered. The ways and means of practical implementation of successful personal development in the process of overcoming difficult life circumstances are shown, as well as the positive goal-setting of inclusive education, which ensures the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in a society of social progress is revealed.