Education Law Solicitors

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HCB SEN Solicitors

Types of SEN

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Our collective experience and understanding of the unique impact each special educational need has on a child or young person will allow us to provide you with an indication of the probable impact and level of involvement that may be needed for your child.

 

ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a group of behaviours that affect a person’s ability to concentrate and control impulsivity. ADHD is often diagnosed when a child is relatively young. The NHS indicates that the typical diagnosis range is from 6 – 12 years old. Typically, ADHD is in one of three forms:
  • Inattentive ADHD
  • Impulsive ADHD
  • A combination of both
ADHD has a very different impact for each child or young person. In our experience, ADHD will always qualify as being a special educational need because children or young people with ADHD need support which is additional to that provided to pupils without ADHD.
Early identification is very important for pupils with ADHD. ADHD can result in difficult behaviours and impulsivity, which can place your child at risk of exclusion. It is important to recognise the condition as early as possible in order to protect your child against exclusion and for your child’s educational needs to be met. It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further information can be found here:
Anxiety
Many children or young people suffer from anxiety. Anxiety can be a special educational need when it causes difficulties for your child to engage in normal day-to-day activities. If your child or young person’s anxiety is impacting on their ability to access normal day-to-day activities, especially school, it is likely that they have special educational needs.
Anxiety can be issue-specific or present as a generalised anxiety disorder.
Typically, when a child or young person is suffering from extreme anxiety, it is very clear to their parents. Our legal experts have supported several young people who have been unable to go to school as a result of their anxiety but have been refused additional support from their school and local authority.
Types of Anxiety:
  • Attachment disorder
  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Phobia of foods
  • Panic disorder
  • School phobia
  • Separation anxiety
  • Social phobia
It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:

 

Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia) is a mental health condition which causes a person to try to keep their body weight extremely as low. Anorexia can affect people of all ages. A child or young person with anorexia will try to maintain a low weight by reducing the amount they consume, vomiting after eating and/or excessive exercise. Anorexia is a recognised disability and can be treated as a special educational need.

Children and young people with Anorexia can require special educational provision to help them learn how to manage their mental health condition, maintain a healthy body weight and to manage the impact of the Anorexia.
Anorexia can cause fatigue, which can have an impact on your child’s ability to concentrate and focus. It is essential that additional support is provided in school, as well as support and treatment from medical professionals.

It is important to undertake a detailed assessment of the impact of Anorexia. It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.

If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anorexia-nervosa/Pages/Introduction.aspx
https://www.b-eat.co.uk/
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/Anorexia‎

 

Aphasia
Aphasia is a speech and language communication difficulty. Aphasia causes a person difficulty with the use of single words or putting words together in a sentence. It is normally associated with damage to the brain from an injury, stroke, medical negligence or accident.
There are three forms of Aphasia:
  • Receptive – difficulties with understanding either individual words, or whole sentences, either read or heard.
  • Expressive – difficulties with speaking, or writing individual words, or whole sentences.
  • A combination of both.
Children or young people with Aphasia will normally require support from a Speech and Language Therapist. As this support is not typically available to pupils in a mainstream school, Aphasia would normally be considered as a special educational need. It is essential that a detailed assessment of the impact of Aphasia.
It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) otherwise referred to as an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The key different between Asperger’s and ASD / ASC is the lack of a language disorder and/ or the lack of a learning difficulty. Asperger’s syndrome is often referred to as a difficulty with social skills. That is because people with Asperger’s syndrome will typically have difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination.
Like all ASCs / ASDs, Asperger’s cannot be cured. However, children and young people with Asperger’s may be supported with special educational provision to help them develop social communication, interaction and imagination skills. Asperger’s syndrome can have a significantly different impact. It is crucial to understand the impact of Asperger’s on the individual child or young person in question. Commonly, children and young people with Asperger’s have special educational needs, because they require special educational provision.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of Asperger’s Syndrome. It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a difficulty in the brain with processing and understanding auditory input. Children with APD can appear to be distractible. This tends to be because of a difficulty with processing several competing audible inputs. APD is different from a hearing impairment because the sound is carried to the brain properly, but the brain is not able to interpret it.
Children and young people with APD may well require speech and language therapy, small classroom settings, careful control of noise in a learning setting and, potentially, 1:1 sessions for learning. This can all be considered special educational provision and, as a result, APD is typically a special educational need.
As with all special educational needs, early identification and early support are essential. It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Autistic Spectrum Condition
Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is also referred to as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASC / ASD is a developmental difficulty which causes people to lack interest in others, not develop social communication and interaction skills and can result in a child or young person become isolated. The impact of ASD / ASC varies, not least because the difficulty exists on a broad spectrum. It is very important that a person with ASD / ASC is identified as soon as possible to ensure that the nature and extent of their difficulties are understood.
Support for ASD / ASC will almost always amount to special educational provision. Support with social communication, social stories and small group work is often used. This can be supported by specialist teachers and speech and language therapists. If a school is not able to provide the level of support that the child or young person needs, it may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Behavioural Difficulties (EBD, SEBD, SEMH)
Children and young people with behaviour difficulties tend to show emotional or behaviour responses which are different from that generally accepted.
If a child or young person is demonstrating behavioural difficulties they may be said to have Emotional Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) or Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD). In England this has also been classified as Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH). Children and young people with behavioural difficulties often present with disruptive behaviour anti-social behaviour, aggression and difficulties maintaining relationships.
In our experience, children and young people with behavioural difficulties require specially designed environments. They will often need smaller groups with familiar peers, where extra support can be offered. Structure and routine can also be crucial. As with many special educational needs, the level of support necessary for behavioural difficulties can vary significantly. In almost all cases, children and young people with behaviour difficulties require special educational provision.
It may be necessary to secure additional support with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.sebda.org/sebd/

 

Brain Injury                                                                                                               A child or young person may suffer a brain injury during birth or may acquire a brain injury following an accident, personal injury, medical mistreatment, stroke or any number of other reasons. A brain injury can have significant and varied impact on a child or young person. The nature of the injury, the treatment and the age of the child or young person at the point of suffering the brain injury are all very important factors. Brain injuries can result in:

  • Attention and concentration difficulties
  • Behavioural difficulties
  • Motor skill difficulties
  • Learning difficulties
  • Sensory processing difficulties
  • Social difficulties
  • Speech and language difficulties

As the brain is responsible for controlling all functions, almost every aspect of a child’s life can be affected as a result of brain injury. Following a brain injury, it is very important to understand the impact of the injury and the prognosis. This will enable those supporting the child and young person to plan and organise short, medium and long-term support. Whenever we have helped a child or young person who has suffered a brain injury, they have special educational needs. The support can include specialist therapy, equipment, specialist teaching staff and strategies. It is important that all this support is properly implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Special educational provision at school level may be adequate for a child or young person with brain injury. It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of a brain injury is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan.

If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here: 

http://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/
http://www.braininjuryhub.co.uk/
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/brain-injury-rehabilitation-services

 

Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which is caused by mental health difficulties. Often a person with Bulimia will restrict the amount of food they eat, then binge eat and purge by vomiting or misusing medication. Bulimia is different from Anorexia. Children and young people with Bulimia can require special educational provision to help them learn how to manage their mental health condition, maintain a healthy body weight and to manage the impact of Bulimia.
Bulimia can have a significant impact on a child or young person’s ability to access education. It is important that they receive the necessary support in school. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Cancer
The Equality Act 2010 specifically provides that cancer is a disability. This means that a child or young person with cancer should also be treated as a disabled person. If a child or young person, as a result of having cancer, is having difficulties accessing learning, or requires additional support to keep up with work, then they may require special educational provision. That means that they also have special educational needs.
Naturally, parents of children and young people with cancer will want to focus on ensuring that their child is able to get healthy or, if that is not possible, is supported in the best way possible. Deciding whether to seek additional educational support must be for the family to discuss. In our experience, this also involves close liaison with medical professionals about prognosis and treatment plans.
The level of support that a child or young person with cancer needs can vary dramatically. In some cases, it is necessary to seek a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Cerebral Atrophy
Cerebral atrophy is a medical condition which results in a deterioration in the brain. It affects the area of the brain responsible for movement, muscle control, posture, balance and motor skills. The support that a child or young person may require is likely to be from therapists, such as speech and language, occupational and/or physiotherapists. The type of support and therapy that a person may need entirely depends on the nature and extent of the cerebral atrophy.
In our experience, there is often confusion that therapy is a health provision rather than an education provision. Often, local authorities can apply blanket policies that forms of therapy are not “education”. This is wrong in law as determining what is “education” is subjective to the person’s individual needs.
If your child or young person is struggling with cerebral atrophy, they may well need the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.
It can often be useful to seek specialist legal advice to secure the support that is required. If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Cerebral Palsy                                                                                                  There are several forms of Cerebral Palsy. The common feature is that cerebral palsy is a malformation of the brain which occurs either naturally, or as a result of illness or injury. Cerebral palsy occurs during the development of the brain and, therefore, occurs in childhood or at birth. As it is a developmental disorder, the symptoms of cerebral palsy are typically seen within the first three years of a child’s life. The key symptoms are:
  • balance and co-ordination problems
  • communication difficulties
  • muscle stiffness or floppiness (hypotonia)
  • muscle weakness
  • random and uncontrolled body movements

The impact of cerebral palsy varies greatly. Some people may have mild difficulties whereas others are very severely disabled. Many people with cerebral palsy also have a number of associated problems, including repeated fits or seizures, drooling problems and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). There are three different types of Cerebral Palsy

  • Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is where the specific area of the brain responsible for balance and coordination does not develop properly. It can also cause difficulties with perception of distance.
  • Dystonic / Athetoid / Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy a person with form of cerebral palsy has difficulty controlling and / or coordinating their movements. It also causes a person to have difficulties maintain postural control. This is often as a result of varied muscle tone.
  • Spastic Cerebral Palsy is typically marked out by increased muscle tone which can cause stiffness and make it difficult for a person to move their limbs, or body generally.

A person may have one form of cerebral palsy, or a combination of each form of cerebral palsy. A child or young person affected by cerebral palsy is very likely to have special educational needs. That is because it amounts to a disability that requires special educational provision. A pupil with any form of cerebral palsy is likely to require therapeutic support, specialist adaptive equipment and/or additional specialist teaching support.

In our experience, children and young people with cerebral palsy will require a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan. If you are having difficulties securing this level of support or the EHCP does not provide for adequate support, you should consider seeking specialist legal advice. Our legal experts have substantial experience supporting children and young people who have suffered cerebral palsy as a result of negligent medical treatment at birth.

If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cerebral-palsy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.scope.org.uk/
http://www.brainandspine.org.uk/

Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a very broad term covering a range of difficulties which cause a person to struggle with accepting authority, comply with instructions or directions and/or follow socially acceptable behaviour.
It is often very difficult to identify if a child or young person has conduct disorder and, in our experience, they are often labelled as “naughty”. The distinction is that a person with a conduct disorder has an underlying inability to comply, rather than making the choice to refuse to comply.
Support for a conduct disorder can include the use of various types of therapy including, speech and language therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. This is a special educational provision and it can be necessary to secure it through a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
Often it can be difficult to secure additional support for a conduct disorder, because of the misunderstanding of the difficulties, it can be useful to seek special educational needs legal advice.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which can affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive organs. One of the most common features of cystic fibrosis is that it can cause the respiratory or digestive system to become blocked.
As cystic fibrosis can cause difficulties with the digestive system, children and young people can often struggle to maintain their weight. This difficulty with absorbing adequate nutrition can cause significant difficulties with being able to concentrate and fully engage with learning.
Cystic fibrosis is a disability, but the level of special educational provision required can vary. It may be that it is necessary to secure additional support through a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Heath and Care Plan.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of cystic fibrosis is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan.
Often it is helpful to take special educational needs legal advice to establish whether the legal test for a Statement or EHCP is met.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:

Developmental Delay
If a child or young person is making little or no progress, they may have developmental delay.A person may be affected by one, or several areas of developmental delay. If a person struggles with all areas listed below, they are likely to have general developmental delay.

Developmental delay can vary significantly. It can range from relatively mild to severe which can result in significant disabilities. Developmental delay may affect many areas:

Cognitive – which affects a person’s ability to learn.
Fine motor skills – control of fingers and use of small objects such as cutlery, pens etc.
Gross motor skills – control of large muscles resulting in the ability to walk, sit etc.
Speech and language – the ability to use and understand language and all forms of communication.
Social and emotional – which affects a person’s ability to learn social skills, develop social skills, interaction and/or communication and can cause difficulties with self-control and behaviour.

If a child or young person reaches the diagnostic threshold for developmental delay, they have a special educational need which requires special educational provision. The nature of the special educational provision can vary depending on the nature of the special educational needs. In our experience, a child or young person with this area of need often requires the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.

If you are seeking support for a child or young person with developmental delay, it can be helpful to seek advice on special educational needs law.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenwithalearningdisability/Pages/Copingwithdiagnosis.aspx

 

Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is often referred to as Down’s syndrome or Trisomy 21. It is a genetic condition which occurs as a result of having an additional chromosome. A person with Down’s syndrome may display characteristic physical features and learning difficulties are often associated with Down Syndrome. The extent of those learning difficulties can vary significantly.
Down syndrome is often linked with other medical difficulties such as hearing and visual impairments, heart difficulties and thyroid disorders. Down syndrome is also associated with developmental delay.

Children and young people with Down syndrome may require numerous special educational provision which can include support from specialist teaching support, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and help with developing social skills. It is important to understand the extent and nature of a child or young person’s learning difficulties and whether any other developmental delay is present. That will then ensure that the appropriate special educational provision is delivered.
This means that a statutory assessment or EHC needs assessment is often necessary and, in our experience, it is essential for a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan to be obtained.

If you are trying to secure a statutory assessment, Statement or EHCP, or are worried about the amount of support that your child with Down syndrome is receiving, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/d/down-syndrome/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Downs-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

Duane Syndrome
Duane syndrome is a rare eye movement disorder.Duane syndrome affects the muscles that control how the eye moves. In all cases, a person with Duane syndrome will have little, or no, ability to look outwards (toward their ears) and often have limited ability to look inwards (towards their nose). Often children with Duane syndrome receive a diagnosis by the age of 10.

Surgery can be an option for Duane syndrome, however this is not always a possibility. Children and young people with Duane syndrome can require therapeutic support along with differentiated equipment and provision to support their needs. The level of special educational provision that a child or young person with Duane syndrome can require varies considerably.

It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of Duane syndrome is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan.

If your child or young person is not receiving adequate support in school, including additional support and equipment, seeking special educational needs legal advice can be useful. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information is available here:

http://www.eyesite.nhs.uk/TeenSight/EyeInfo/Conditions/DuaneSyndrome
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/duane-syndrome/

 

Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty which causes a child or young person to have difficulties developing mathematical skills and understanding.
The effect of Dyscalculia can vary significantly, meaning that special educational provision needs to be planned carefully. It is very common for Dyscalculia to link with Dyslexia .

It is rare for Dyscalculia to exist in isolation. Common symptoms of Dyscalculia are:
1. Delay in counting.
2. Delay in using counting strategies for addition.
3. Difficulties in memorising arithmetic facts and rules.

As the effect of Dyscalculia can vary significantly, the nature of the necessary special educational provision can vary. In some situations, school-based special educational needs support may be adequate. In others, a child or young person will need a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.

Given the varying effect of Dyscalculia, it is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of dyscalculia is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment.

If your child or young person has Dyscalculia, and you are not sure about what support they need, or are entitled to, it can be helpful to obtain specialist education legal advice. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexic/dyscalculia
http://www.dyscalculia.org/

 

Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is a specific learning difficulty and impacts the ability to write letters and numbers. It affects the ability to learn the sequence of fine motor skills required to able to write.

Dysgraphia can also cause a person to have difficulties with the ordering or sequencing of words and numbers. This can mean that words, letters and numbers are written out of order, or backwards.

Dysgraphia has close links with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. Like Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, the impact of Dysgraphia can vary significantly, meaning that it is necessary to properly assess the need and establish what special educational provision is necessary.

Because the impact of Dysgraphia can vary, the level of necessary support also varies. In many cases, school based special educational needs support may be sufficient. In others, a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan is called for. To be able to establish which level of intervention is needed, expert advice can be useful.

If your child or young person has Dysgraphia, and you are not sure about what support they need, or are entitled to, it can be helpful to obtain specialist education legal advice. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://dysgraphia.org.uk/

 

Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which can make it difficult to understand words and language. It has very strong links with Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and ADHD. The impact of Dyslexia can vary significantly, meaning that it is important to properly assess the need and establish what special educational provision is necessary.

Common features of Dyslexia are:

  • Confusing letters like b and d, either in reading or writing.
  • Missing letters out when trying to spell a word.
  • Reading very slowly and hesitantly and lacking fluency.
  • Leaving out whole sections of text when reading or repeating the same section.
  • Putting letters and figures the wrong way around.
  • Poor organisation skills and time management skills.
  • Poor memory and concentration.

Because the impact of Dyslexia can vary, the level of intervention also varies. In many cases, school based special educational needs support may be sufficient. In others, a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan is called for.

To be able to establish which level of intervention is needed, expert advice can be useful as is specialist education law advice. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyslexia/Pages/Introduction.aspx

 

Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a developmental disorder which causes difficulties with the learning and acquisition of physical skills. It affects the organisation of fine and gross movements.Dyspraxia is thought to have strong links with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia and Autism.

Dyspraxia typically cause difficulties with motor planning and coordination. Symptoms include:

  • Difficulties with hopping, jumping, running, and catching or kicking a ball.
  • Difficulties in walking up and down stairs writing, drawing and using scissors.
  • Difficulties getting dressed, doing up buttons and tying shoelaces.
  • Handwriting and drawings may appear scribbled and more childish than other children.

Support for Dyspraxia can include specialist teaching, therapeutic support from occupational therapy and may include adaptive environments and equipment.

The impact of Dyspraxia can vary significantly, the nature of the necessary special educational provision can vary. In some situations, school-based special educational needs support may be sufficient. In others, a child or young person will need a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.

If your child or young person has Dyspraxia, and you are not sure about what support they need, or are entitled to, it can be helpful to obtain specialist education legal advice. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/
https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/special-educational-needs/dyspraxia/dyspraxia-aids
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dyspraxia-(childhood)/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

 

Echolalia
Echolalia is a condition which causes a person to repeat the words, or whole phrases, spoken by another person. Echolalia has strong links with Autism and often people with Autism demonstrate some form of Echolalia.

It is common for most children to use Echolalia whilst developing their language skills. However, it occurs more frequently, and for far longer, in children with Autism as they struggle it develop spontaneous language skills.
There are two forms of Echolalia:

  1. Immediate Echolalia –  the repetition of words and phrases immediately, or shortly after, they were originally spoken.
  1. Delayed Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases that are echoed much later than originally spoken. This can be anything from hours to weeks later.

Echolalia is indicative of delayed language skills and may also be suggestive of other underlying difficulties such as Autism. As such, if Echolalia is identified, it is very important to further investigate. This can often be through a statutory assessment or EHC needs assessment.

Children and young people with Echolalia are likely to require special educational provision to cater for the difficulty itself, and the underlying difficulty. This may well be through the additional provision of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.

If your child or young person is demonstrating Echolalia, and you are struggling to secure support or assessment of their needs, you should consider seeking specialist education law advice. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:

http://www.autism-help.org/communication-echolalia-autism.htm

 

Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in the brain which causes a person to suffer seizures. It can occur naturally, or as a result of suffering a brain injury, person injury or negligent medical treatment at birth.
During an epileptic fit, the internal messages within the brain are not being relayed properly. This means that each seizure can be different and each person with Epilepsy experiences the condition in a different way.
Epilepsy often requiresmedication and can require special educational provision. This is particularly the case if the frequency of seizures has an impact on the child or young person’s health or otherwise on their ability to engage in learning.
If Epilepsy is causing difficulties accessing learning, then additional support must be provided. This can be school-based, but if substantive external support and additional teaching time is required, then a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan may be required.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of Epilepsy is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child or young person needs extra support in school as a result of Epilepsy, it can be useful to seek special educational needs legal advice.Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/
https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/what-epilepsy
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Epilepsy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X is caused due to a genetic mutation. It results in cognitive impairments and, most commonly, learning difficulties. The severity of those difficulties can range from moderate to severe.
Fragile X causes difficulties in all areas of life, meaning that children and young people with Fragile X will require special educational provision to learn and develop skills in all areas. This can include specialist tuition in areas such as independent living, social skills and community engagement.
Males with Fragile X tend to have far more complex needs than females. However, in all cases, a child or young person with Fragile X should be considered to have special educational needs, so it is important to establish the necessary special educational provision as soon as possible. This will be through a statutory assessment, or EHC needs assessment. This may well then result in the preparation of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If your child or young person has Fragile X, and you are struggling to secure additional support for them, or are unhappy with what support they are receiving, you should consider taking legal advice on special educational needs. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:http://www.fragilex.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2010/02February/Pages/Fragile-X-syndrome-studied.aspx
Global Developmental Delay
During thedevelopment of children and young people, five areas are monitored and tracked. If a child or young person fails to make two or more milestones in these areas, a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay may be appropriate.
The five areas of development are:
Cognitive – which impacts a person’s ability to learn.
Fine motor skills – control of fingers and use of small objects such as cutlery, pens etc.
Gross motor skills – control of large muscles resulting in the ability to walk, sit etc.
Social and emotional – which impacts a person’s ability to learn social skills, develop social skills, interaction and/or communication and can cause difficulties with self-control and behaviour.
Speech and language – the ability to use and understand language and all forms of communication.
A child or young person with global developmental delay will most likely be considered to have special educational needs and should qualify for special educational provision. The nature of that provision will depend on the extent each of the areas of development are affected. It is likely that a child or young person will require specialist teaching, adaptive equipment, small classes, therapeutic input and /or individual tuition.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of your child or young person’s global developmental delay is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment.
If your child or young person has Global Developmental Delay, and you are struggling to secure additional support for them, or are unhappy with what support they are receiving, you should consider taking legal advice on special educational needs. Our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/g/global-developmental-delay/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenwithalearningdisability/Pages/Copingwithdiagnosis.aspx
Glue Ear
Glue ear is an inflammation of the middle ear resulting in anincrease of fluid. Glue ear is common amongst children. The cause of glue ear is unknown, however, a build-up of ear wax and water in the ear are known not to cause Glue Ear.The main symptom of Glue Ear is loss of hearing. This can vary in severity.
Other symptoms can be
• Clumsiness as problems with balance.
• Difficulty interacting socially.
• Problems with speech and language.
Glue Ear can result in hearing impairment and, as such, can result in special educational needs requiring special educational provision. The level of intervention can depend on the level of difficulty caused.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further information can be found here:https://www.sense.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Glue-ear/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Hearing ImpairmentA hearing impairment is caused by the way that sound is carried from the ear into the brain. It results from a deterioration in the signal reaching the brain, rather than how the brain interprets that signal. As such, it is distinct from auditory processing disorder.
A hearing impairment can have a substantial impact on a child or young person’s ability to access learning. In some cases, minimal support or special educational provision is required. In other situations, where the hearing impairment is significant, the child or young person can require substantive special educational provision including specialist teaching and adapted equipment and environments.
It is important to understand the nature of a child or young person’s hearing impairment in order to ensure that they are receiving adequate special educational provision. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. This may require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.sense.org.uk/
https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/supporting-you.aspx
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2015/03/hearing-loss/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hearing-impairment/Pages/Introduction.aspx

High-Functioning AutismHigh Functioning Autism is an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), also referred to as an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As such, it can cause difficulties with:

  • Flexibility of thinking
  • Social communication
  • Social interaction

ASC / ASD is a developmental difficulty which causes people to lack interest in others, not develop social communication and interaction skills and can result in a child or young person become isolated.
High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are often confused. That is because a key requirement for Asperger’s is the lack of a cognitive difficulty. A young person who is ‘high functioning’ will also not have a cognitive difficulty.
Securing support for children and young people with High Functioning Autism can be problematic. Often, because children and young people with High Functioning Autism, are capable of making academic progress, schools and local authorities do not consider that they qualify for special educational provision. This is not correct.
Children and young people with High Functioning Autism still have difficulties with flexibility of thinking, social communication and social interaction. As such, special educational provision will be necessary. The nature of that provision can vary. It can be sufficient to provide school based special educational needs support, however, often a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan is necessary because of the specialist nature of support required.
Given that the necessary special educational provision can vary, it is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of your child or young person’s special educational needs is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Autistic-spectrum-disorder/Pages/Treatment.aspx
http://www.autism.org.uk/
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

HydrocephalusHydrocephalus is a condition which results in an increase of fluid on the brain. The fluid puts pressure on the brain which can be extremely dangerous. This condition can occur at any age and often occurs in people suffering from Spina Bifida.

There are two types of hydrocephalus:

  • Acquired Hydrocephalus, which occurs after birth.
  • Congenital Hydrocephalus which is present at birth.

It is unlikely that hydrocephalus, in itself is a special educational need. However, because the fluid puts pressure on the brain it can cause significant difficulties. If that happens, it can cause the development of special educational needs requiring special educational provision. As such, it is very important to monitor the impact of the fluid to establish whether it is affecting the child or young person’s ability to access learning.
It is important to understand that nature of a child or young person’simpairment in order to ensure that they are receiving adequate special educational provision. It may be necessary to secure a statutory assessment or EHC needs assessment in order to obtain a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information is available here:
https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/
https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/hydrocephalus/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hydrocephalus/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Irlen SyndromeIrlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder, not an optical problem.
Irlen Syndrome is a difficulty with the brain’s ability to process visual information. The difficulty is often largely undiagnosed for several reasons, including: it is not an obvious problem; it is not identifiable by generic medical assessments or educational assessments. Often those who have this difficulty think that the perceptual distortions they experience are normal.
Symptoms include:

  • attention difficulties
  • brightness and glare
  • distortion of words
  • dyslexic type difficulties
  • effects on reading and writing
  • headaches
  • poor motivation
  • sensitivity to certain colours and lights

It is important that Irlen Syndrome is identified as soon as possible. The classroom is often a very difficult place for a child with Irlen Syndrome due to the bright lights and white boards. The symptoms of Irlen Syndrome can often lead to the child/young person having difficulties in school and they may not be making expected progress.
If you have a child who is experiencing similar difficulties to the above and you would like to discuss support and whether an Education, Health and Care Plan may be necessary for your child please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found at:
http://www.irlenuk.com/about-irlen-syndrome.htm
http://irlen.com/what-is-irlen-syndrome/

Learning DifficultiesA child or young person can have learning difficulties which affect all areas of education and may be as a result of an underlying condition.Learning difficulties can be mild, moderate or severe.
A child or young person with learning difficulties can present with the following difficulties:

  • communication
  • learning new skills
  • learning social skills
  • poor attention span
  • poor memory

It is important to understand the nature of a child or young person’s learning difficulties in order to ensure that they are receiving adequate special educational provision.This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. It may then be appropriate to seek additional support via a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenwithalearningdisability/Pages/Whatislearningdisability.aspx
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/generallearningdisability.aspx

Fine and gross motor skill delayMotor skill difficulties can relate to either fine motor skills or gross motor skills.

  • Fine motor skills manage the ability to control small muscles. Skills that are affected can be the ability to use a pen or cutlery.
  • Gross motor skills relate to control of large muscles. This affects the larger movements such as walking as well as maintaining postural control when sitting and standing.

A child or young person with fine or gross motor skill difficulties may require therapeutic support from occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists. It is possible that they will also require specialist equipment, adapted learning environments, specialist teaching and differentiated curriculums.
For some children and young people with motor skill difficulties, school based special educational needs support may be adequate. In other situations, a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan may be necessary.It is important that a child or young person’s motor skills difficulties are identified as early as possible. This can require an assessment of special educational needs through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.swft.nhs.uk/our-services/children-and-young-peoples-services/occupational-therapy/fine-motor-skills-information-schools
http://www.babycenter.com/404_whats-the-difference-between-fine-and-gross-motor-skills_6562.bc
http://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-physical-disabilities/13498-does-your-child-have-problems-with-gross-motor-skills/

Multi-Sensory ImpairmentMulti-sensory impairment (MSI) affects both hearing and sight. It is often a combination of both hearing impairment and visual impairment.
The impact of multi-sensory impairment can vary significantly. In some cases, hearing is more impaired that vision or vice versa. In others, multi-sensory impairment can cause the child or young person to have little, or no, functional vision or hearing.
Because multi-sensory impairment can have such a varied impact, the nature of the resulting special educational needs and necessary special educational provision can vary. In our experience, only the minority of children and young people with multi-sensory impairment can be adequately supported with school-based intervention.
Therefore, it will be necessary to secure a statutory assessment or EHC needs assessment in order to obtain a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned about the level of special educational needs support your child or young person is receiving or are having difficulties securing a Statement of Special Educational Needs of EHCP, our special educational needs solicitors are here to help.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.sense.org.uk/content/multi-sensory-impairment-and-down-syndrome
https://www.seeability.org/
Moderate Learning DifficultiesModerate learning difficulties can affect all areas of learning and maybe as a result of an underlying condition, brain condition or brain injury.
A child or young person with moderate learning difficulties can present with the following difficulties:

  • communication
  • learning new skills
  • learning social skills
  • poor memory
  • poor attention span

Given that the necessary special educational provision can vary, it is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the impact of your child or young person’s learning difficulties is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. It may then be appropriate to seek additional support via a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenwithalearningdisability/Pages/Whatislearningdisability.aspx

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/generallearningdisability.aspx

Muscular DystrophyMuscular dystrophy weakens muscles, making it difficult for a person to contract their muscles. This can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to complete typical day to day activities and, therefore, is a disability.
Muscular dystrophy is a degenerative condition, meaning that the severity of the impact will increase. Difficulties caused by muscular dystrophy can be:

  • Difficulty standing
  • Difficulty walking
  • Falling over
  • Problems with swallowing and breathing

As muscular dystrophy can have a significant physical impact on a child or young person, it affects their ability to engage effectively with education. Often, specialist equipment, teacher and differentiation of the curriculum can be required.
As the impact of muscular dystrophy can change throughout a pupil’s academic career, it is important to ensure that their special educational needs are monitored. This will ensure that the special educational provision can be monitored and reviewed as needed.
In our experience, children and young people with muscular dystrophy tend to require a statutory assessment or EHC needs assessment and the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/musculardystrophy/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Obsessive Compulsive DisorderObsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health condition which is often linked to anxiety.A person with obsessive compulsive disorder struggles with obsessive thoughts about a particular issue. This then leads to the person having to follow a pattern of behaviours in order to relieve the anxiety associated with the thoughts.
Obsessive compulsive disorder can be extremely disruptive to a child or young person’s ability to access learning and engage with education. That is because the obsessive thought, and associated anxiety, can be highly distracting. The compulsive behaviour can also interrupt and impact a child or young person’s learning.
It is very important to assess the impact of obsessive compulsive disorder on a child or young person’s ability to engage with education. This can often be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment.
The special educational provision required can vary according to the child or young person. Often, counselling and/or cognitive behavioural therapy can be appropriate. This can often require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.ocduk.org/ocd
http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.anxietycare.org.uk/docs/ocd.asp
Oppositional Defiant DisorderOppositional defiant disorder is a psychiatric condition which affects a person’s behaviour. It is a form of conduct disorder. A child or young person with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) will display aggressiveness and a tendency to deliberately seek to irritate others.
A child or young person with Oppositional Defiant Disorder will often present with persistent disobedience, particularly in terms of opposing authority figures, such as teachers. Typically, though a child or young person with Oppositional Defiant Disorder will respect basic social rules and behaviours.For a diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, a child or young person must display defiant behaviour for at least six months. The behaviour must feature at least five of the following:

  • Blaming others.
  • Being overly sensitiveFrequent loss of temper.
  • Deliberately seeking to irritate others.
  • Frequently arguing with adults and/ or actively defying rules and requests from authority figures.
  • Heightened anger or resentment towards others.
  • Spiteful or vindictive conduct.
  • Swearing frequently.

It is important to secure special educational needs support for a child or young person with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. A child or young person with Oppositional Defiant Disorder can present with challenging behaviour that will often conflict with school’s behaviour policy. This can expose them to being at very high risk ofexclusion. As such, it is important to identify the nature of the special educational needs as early as possible.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/c/conduct-disorder-and-oppositional-defiant-disorder/
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/03March/Pages/New-guidelines-on-child-antisocial-behaviour.aspx
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?LinkFrom=OAI&ID=12006006118

Pathological Demand AvoidancePathological demand avoidance is a developmental disorder related to autism.
Pathological demand avoidance is increasingly controversial, with a number of local health groups refusing to recognise it as a condition in its own right. This is causing children and young people difficulties in securing adequate special educational provision.
Children and young people with pathological demand avoidance (PDA) can come across as being manipulative and appear to have good social skills. Pathological demand avoidance can be linked with anxiety. Children and young people with PDA seek social control in order to avoid demands being placed on them. As such, their controlling behaviour is a result of anxiety related with demands being placed on them.
A person with pathological demand avoidance does not display typical signs of autism, such as avoidance eye contact.Children and young people often display the following behaviours:

  • Coming up with excuses for not complying with a demand
  • Creating fictional reasons for not being able to comply with a demand
  • Distracting others to prevent demands being placed on them
  • Lashing out in response to a demand
  • Using noises to ‘drown out’ the demand

Behaviours used to control the demand can conflict with school behaviour policy. This can mean that the child or young person is at risk ofexclusion. It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment, through a statutory assessment, or EHC needs assessment is undertaken. It may also be necessary to secure a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has notbeen fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/pda.aspx
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medicalinformation/conditions/p/pathological-demand-avoidance-syndrome/

Pervasive Developmental DisorderPervasive Developmental Disorder is a condition which causes a person to have underdeveloped social skills and difficulties understanding and using language.It can result in a person becoming obsessed with activities and may be resistant to change.
It can also often be referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).  Pervasive developmental disorder is usually treated as a special educational need because of the special educational provision that it calls for.
Pervasive developmental disorder can include other conditions such as Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. A person with severe pervasive developmental disorder will typically be considered to have Autism / ASD/ ASC. If a person has mild pervasive developmental disorder, they are likely to be considered to have Asperger’s Syndrome.
It is important to ensure that the nature of special educational needs is identified as early as possible. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. It may be appropriate to seek a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving sufficient special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://asdclinic.co.uk/conditions/pervasive-developmental-disorder/index.phphttps://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/pdd-nos
Prader-Willi SyndromePrader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which causes weak muscle tone, incomplete sexual development, short stature, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and constant hunger.
Prader-Willi syndrome requires carefully planned management and special educational provision because of the complex nature of the condition.
A child or young person with Prader-Willi syndrome has special educational needs. They will require special educational provision which caters for the individual child or young person’s learning difficulties and accommodates the muscle tone. This can require the use of specialist teaching, equipment, adapted environments and differentiated curriculum.
Prader-Willi syndrome can cause a person or young person to have difficulties in all areas, including self-help and independent living, substantial special educational provision is required to develop these areas. As such, it is important that a statutory assessment, or EHC needs assessment, of the child or young person’s special educational needs is undertaken as early as possible.
It is likely that a child or young person with Prada-Willi will require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This will ensure that the special educational provision is kept under review and specialist support and intervention can be secured.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to seek special educational needs legal advice.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.pwsa.co.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/praderwillisyndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD)Profound and multiple learning difficulties is an umbrella term.As PMLD is an umbrella term, there is no one definition for the condition. It is used for a person who has a complex array of significant difficulties. All children and young people with profound and multiple learning disability should be recognised as having special educational needs.
It is important to ensure that the nature of the special educational needs is identified as early as possible. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
In our experience, every child or young person with PMLD requires the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are struggling to secure support or are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving appropriate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure advice about special educational needs law.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.pmldlink.org.uk/
http://disabilitylearning.co.uk/about-us/
https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/pmld
Rett SyndromeRett syndrome is a genetic disorder which affects girls. It affects the way that genes function which can cause a person’s development to slow, or regress. It results in severe mental and physical disabilities.
Your child may benefit from some of the following treatments and aids:

  • adapted learning environment
  • hydrotherapy
  • music therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • physiotherapy
  • specialist teaching
  • specialist equipment
  • speech and language therapy
  • therapeutic horse riding

Because of the profound and severe mental and physical disabilities that result from Rett syndrome, all children and young people with Rett syndrome should be recognised as having special educational needs. Substantive special educational provision is necessary in every case.
In our experience, every child or young person with Rett Syndrome requires the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are struggling to secure support or are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure specialist advice on education law and special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.rettuk.org/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Rett-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx#Management
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/all-disorders

Semantic Pragmatic DisorderSemantic Pragmatic Disorder is a speech and language difficulty that causes complex communication problems.
The semantic element of the disorder causes children and young people to have difficulties with understanding the meaning of sentences and words. Pragmatic difficulties cause a child or young person to have difficulties with social language.
Semantic pragmatic disorder can result in:

  • Delayed language development
  • Difficulties taking turns in conversations
  • Difficulties understand abstract concepts
  • Difficulties understanding implications
  • Echolalia
  • Inability to follow changes of topic
  • Inattentiveness and distractibility

It is important to ensure that the extent of your child or young person’s special educational needs is identified as early as possible. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. It may be appropriate to seek a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://senmagazine.co.uk/articles/articles/senarticles/semantic-pragmatic-disorder-the-reality-behind-the-label 
http://spdsupport.org.uk/

Sensory Processing DisorderSensory processing disorder is a condition which impacts the way that the brain receives and interprets sensory information. It has also been referred to as sensory integration disorder (SID).
A child with sensory processing disorder will struggle with responding to sensory stimulation. It can affect sight, touch and/or movement.Sensory processing disorder can have impact each child or young person differently. Often specialist provision is required meaning that a child or young person with sensory processing disorder is likely to be considered to have special educational needs.
Support for sensory processing disorder is likely to include occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, physiotherapy, specialist teaching and equipment and adapted learning environments.
It is essential that a detailed assessment of the impact of sensory processing disorder is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
It may well be appropriate for a child or young person with sensory processing disorder to receive the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure advice about special educational needs law.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.sensoryintegration.org.uk/

Severe Learning DifficultiesA child or young person with severe learning difficulties often present with significant difficulties related to:

  • communication
  • learning new skills
  • learning social skills
  • poor attention span
  • poor memory

A child or young person with severe learning difficulties will require special educational provision and should be recognised as having special educational needs.
Support for severe learning difficulties is likely to include over-learning, help with acquiring new skills and generalising learning,specialist teaching and equipment, adapted learning environments. occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the child or young person’s learning difficulties is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
It may be necessary for a child or young person with severe learning difficulties to be receive the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Childrenwithalearningdisability/Pages/Whatislearningdisability.aspx
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/generallearningdisability.aspx

Smith-Magenis SyndromeSmith-Magenis syndrome is a genetic disorder which causes learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties and can result in distinctive physical features.
Children and young people with Smith-Magenis syndrome tend to have weak muscle tone and significantly disrupted sleep. Whilst children and young people with Smith-Magenis can present with challenging, opposition and self-injurious behaviours, they can also be extremely charming.
Smith-Magenis syndrome can cause significant difficulties accessing learning because of a combination of the learning difficulties and the disruptive effects of poor sleep and negative behaviours.
Special educational provision for children and young people with Smith-Magenis syndrome tends to include behaviour support programmes, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. The style and pace of education will also need to be varied according to their learning difficulty.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
In our experience, children and young people with Smith-Magenis syndrome tend to require the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.smith-magenis.co.uk/http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/s/smith-magenis-syndrome/
Spina BifidaSpina bifida is a spinal deformity which occurs during the first month of development of pregnancy. Spina bifida commonly results in a gap in the spine. There are three forms of Spina bifida which have a different effect to the spine and the spinal cord.
Spina bifida affects every person differently. Common difficulties are:

  • Difficulties moving the lower limbs
  • Learning difficulties
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)

Special educational provision for children and young people with spina bifida often includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, specialist equipment and an adapted learning environment. It can also require specialist teaching to cater for the child or young person’s learning difficulties.
It is important to establish what special educational provision is necessary as a result of a child or young person’s spina bifida. It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. Often, it is necessary to secure support via a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help and guide you through the process.

Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Spina-bifida/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://bodyandhealth.canada.com/condition/getcondition/spina-bifida
https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/

Social Skills DifficultiesSocial skills enable a person to understand social rules and to manage social interactions. A child or young person with difficulties in social skills difficulties is likely to struggle with engaging with education and is likely to be isolated in school. This can expose the child or young person to heightened anxiety and / or depression.
There are two main forms of social skills:

  • Environmental Social Skills – these are particularly important for listening, understanding and complying with instructions.
  • Social Interaction Skills – these are important for starting and maintaining a conversation, complementing others and resolving conflict.

Support for social skills difficulties is likely to amount to special educational provision as it will involve educating or training a child in skills which are typically developed without specific teaching. As such, it is likely that a child or young person with social skills difficulties should be treated as having special educational needs.
It is important to understand the extent of a child or young person’s social skill difficulty as early as possible. This may require a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. It may also be appropriate to seek the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.anxietybc.com/self-help/effective-communication-improving-your-social-skills

Sotos SyndromeSotos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which tends to result in significant physical growth at an early age. It is usually associated with prominent physical features.
Children and young people with Sotos syndrome can also have the following difficulties:

  • behavioural difficulties
  • learning disabilities
  • low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • speech impairment

Support for severe learning difficulties is likely to include over-learning, help with acquiring new skills and generalising learning, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, specialist teaching and equipment and adapted learning environments.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the child or young person’s learning difficulties is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
It may well be appropriate for a child or young person with Sotos syndrome to be receive the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.sotossyndrome.co.uk/

Syndrome Without A Name (SWAN)Children and young people with complex physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties which cannot be fully understood, or identified, are often described as having a Syndrome Without A Name (SWAN).
The term SWAN covers all special educational needs and disabilities which cannot be categorised. As such, it covers a substantial variety of difficulties. This means that the level and form of special educational provision that is required can vary significantly.
If a child or young person has SWAN, it is very important to seek a detailed assessment of their special educational needs as soon as possible. Often, because there is no clear description for a child or young person’s needs, they do not receive the special educational provision that they require.
It is important to ensure that a detailed assessment of the child or young person’s learning difficulties is undertaken as early as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education.
It may well be appropriate for a child or young person with SWAN to receive the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.undiagnosed.org.uk/
Tourette’s SyndromeTourette’s syndrome is a condition which affects the brain and central nervous system. It results in a person losing control over their movements and speech. The involuntary movements or vocalisations are generally referred to as ‘tics’.
The current support for Tourette’s syndrome tends to be cognitive behaviour therapy and, occasionally, speech and language therapy.
Teaching a child or young person how to manage their tics will amount to special educational provision. Therefore, Tourette’s syndrome is seen as being a special educational need.
It is important to identify what special educational provision a child or young person with Tourette’s syndrome needs as soon as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to remain in education. It may be necessary to secure support via a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/7-about-ts.html/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tourette-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Visual ImpairmentA visual impairment is caused by the way that light is carried from the eye into the brain. It results from a deterioration in the signal reaching the brain, rather than how the brain interprets that signal. As such, it is distinct from visual processing disorder.
A visual impairment can have significant varied impact on a child or young person’s ability to access learning. In some cases, minimal support or special educational provision is required. In other situations, where the hearing impairment is significant, the child or young person can require substantive special educational provision including specialist teaching and adapted equipment and environments.
It is important to understand that nature of a child or young person’s visual impairment in order to ensure that they are receiving adequate special educational provision.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their needs has been fully identified, it can be useful to secure legal advice about special educational needs.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help and guide you through the process.
Further useful information can be found here:
https://www.sense.org.uk/
https://www.seeability.org/
Visual Processing DisorderVisual Processing Disorder (VPD) is a difficulty in the brain with processing and understanding visual input. It is different from a hearing impairment because the sound is carried to the brain properly, but the brain is not able to interpret it.
Children and young people with VPD may well require specialist equipment and adapted learning materials, small classroom settings, careful control of noise in a learning setting and, potentially, 1:1 sessions for learning. This can all be considered special educational provision and, as a result, VPD is typically a special educational need.
It is important to understand the extent of a child or young person’s social skill difficulty as early as possible. This may require a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. It may also be appropriate to seek the additional support of a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors  will be happy to help.Some further useful information can be found here:
https://www.sense.org.uk/
Worster-Drought syndromeWorster-Drought syndrome is a rare form of Cerebral Palsy. It causes problems with the mouth and tongue.Worster-Drought syndrome can have a variety of symptoms which can include involuntary lip, tongue and palate movements.  The condition can also cause difficulties with coordination and can result in spasticity.
A child or young person with Worster-Drought syndrome typically has severe speech delay. This typically requires support from a speech and language therapist. Many children with Worster-Drought syndrome also have learning difficulties and/or emotional and behavioural difficulties.It is important to identify what special educational provision a child or young person with Worster-Drought syndrome needs as soon as possible. This can be through a statutory assessment or an EHC needs assessment. Special educational provision should then be delivered to ensure, so far as possible, that the child or young person is able to engage with, and benefit from, education. It may be necessary to secure support via a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan.
If you are concerned that your child or young person is not receiving adequate special educational provision, or that the extent of their special educational needs has not been fully identified, it can be useful to secure help from a special educational needs solicitor. Our education law solicitors will guide you through this process with friendly, professional support and help you resolve your dispute as quickly as possible.
If you think that your child needs additional support for their special educational needs, our specialist solicitors will be happy to help.
Every child deserves the support they need to receive an education and education authorities have a responsibility to provide it. Our legal team will help you to secure the education that your child is entitled to.
Further useful information can be found here:
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/medical-information/conditions/w/worster-drought-syndrome/
http://www.gosh.nhs.uk/medical-information-0/search-medical-conditions/worster-drought-syndrome