Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (or SEND for short) is when a child has a difficulty that affects their education. These can be mental or physical disabilities. They can also have behavioural and emotional problems or speech and language difficulties. Children can be referred to special education by doctors, teachers or health visitors. They may be showing signs that they are not learning or able to learn as quickly as others – such as not recognising letters, being slow to respond in class or having trouble writing numbers and letters. Read more https://specialeducationalneedsanddisabilities.co.uk/

The most common diagnosis is that of a learning disability. This includes conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. It also covers autism spectrum disorders (such as autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders), atypical development, intellectual disability and other developmental and physical impairments. The term ‘other health impairments’ is used to refer to conditions that limit a child’s strength, vitality or alertness (such as ADHD, asthma and diabetes).

Inclusive Education: Strategies and Tools for Supporting SEND Students

Other diagnoses include speech or language problems such as stuttering or having trouble understanding or communicating with other people. There are also behavioural and emotional problems such as ADHD or anxiety, or physical impairments that impact a child’s mobility, such as cerebral palsy. It is very important that a child with a SEND is assessed early and is offered the right help at school to make sure they have access to an appropriate education, so they can reach their full potential.