The government’s proposed changes to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision are receiving attention from parents, especially those with neurodivergent children like myself. While the aim of creating a more inclusive education system is commendable, there seems to be a lack of understanding of the challenges faced by parents of neurodiverse children and the difficulties these children encounter in the school environment.
Many secondary schools, including ours with nearly 1,500 students, present challenges for neurodiverse children with sensory processing issues. The combination of social pressures and fast-paced school life often leads these children to reach their breaking point, resulting in school refusal and potential mental health concerns.
Despite efforts to provide quiet spaces, therapy-focused teaching, and occasional speech therapy sessions, these measures may not address the underlying issue if the child is too overwhelmed to even enter the school premises. The government’s focus should shift towards investing in smaller schools with reduced class sizes rather than trying to enhance an outdated educational system.
Having personally experienced the struggles faced by my eldest, who masked her autism in primary school but struggled in a larger secondary school environment, I understand the importance of tailored support. After a lengthy process to obtain a diagnosis, which involved opting for a private assessment due to long NHS waiting times, it was confirmed that my daughter is autistic. This revelation provided clarity and explained her challenges in coping with school demands.
With the support of a dedicated tutor funded by the council and an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) with associated funding, my daughter has shown significant progress. However, the concern arises that future children in similar situations may not receive the necessary support if the education system moves towards a more standardized approach that may not cater to individual needs.
Many parents across the country share these apprehensions about the proposed changes, as we all strive for our children’s well-being and academic success. There is a fear that the reforms could exacerbate challenges for families rather than alleviate them.