SEND Advocacy Blog

A Request for Change is a formal mechanism used within the SEND Tribunal process that allows either party to amend the issues under appeal. Understanding when and how to use one can be important for parents who find that the scope of their appeal needs to shift after proceedings have begun. This post explains the process clearly and what to expect.

If you are pursuing an EHC Plan content appeal at the SEND Tribunal, you will quickly become familiar with the working document. It is a live, editable version of your child's EHC Plan that both you and the local authority use to identify areas of agreement and disagreement throughout the appeal process. Getting to grips with how it works is essential for anyone navigating this stage.

Misophonia is a condition where specific sounds trigger intense emotional or physical reactions, often including anger, anxiety or disgust. For children with SEND, it can make everyday environments like classrooms or dining halls extremely difficult to manage. This post helps parents understand what misophonia is, how it presents and what reasonable adjustments can help.

Special Educational Needs is the term used in England to describe a learning difficulty or disability that requires additional or different educational support compared to children of the same age. Knowing exactly what SEN means, and what it does not mean, helps parents understand their child's rights and navigate the system with more confidence.

Autistic burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that occurs when an autistic person has been masking, coping or trying to meet neurotypical expectations for an extended period. It is different from ordinary tiredness and can have a serious impact on a child's ability to function at school and at home. This post helps parents recognise the signs and understand what their child might need to recover.

Sensory Processing Disorder describes a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. For children with SEND, this can mean everyday sensory experiences such as noise, light, texture or movement become overwhelming or, in some cases, barely noticeable at all. Understanding SPD helps parents and schools create environments where a child can actually learn.

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers. Often described as the maths equivalent of dyslexia, it is more than just struggling with arithmetic. For children with SEND, dyscalculia can affect everyday tasks, confidence and academic progress. This post helps parents understand what it looks like and what support is available.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. It presents differently in different children and is often misunderstood as naughtiness or lack of effort. For parents navigating the SEND system, understanding ADHD properly is a crucial first step towards getting the right diagnosis, support and provision in place.

A blog post on Dysgraphia for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND")

A blog post on Auditory Processing Disorder ("APD") for parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND").

A blog post on situational mutism for parents and carers.

A blog post on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services ("CAMHS") for parents/carers of children and young people with SEND.

A blog post on parent carer trauma amongst parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND")

A blog post on Disability Living Allowance ("DLA") for parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND").

A blog on Developmental Language Disorder ("DLD") for parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND").

A blog post about Dyslexia for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs ("SEN")

A blog post on international literacy day & dyslexia for parents/carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND")

A blog post on the role of a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

A blog on social care assessments for parents/carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND")

A blog post on working with experts in the context of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities ("SEND") appeals