Surviving the Special Educational Needs System

'Our children were supposed to be ''included'' in mainstream but in reality were ''excluded'' until they went into special needs placements where they were accepted and valued, exactly as they were, even though that was different to the ''norm''. They are polite, kind, decent people - but people who have difficulties.' - Sandy Row. Sandy Row has four adopted children, all of whom it has transpired have special educational needs, all on the Autistic Spectrum (Asperger's Syndrome, Semantic Pragmatic Disorder). Some have ADHD, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorder and Dyspraxia as well. Sandy and her husband have battled for years to achieve accurate diagnoses, Statements and assistance for the children - fighting two Tribunals against the LEA barristers on the way. 'A pea-shooter against a tank,' as she wryly comments. Finally they feel hopeful about their children's futures and want to share their story and the useful contacts and information they have gained during their journey. Sandy kept reading books that told her what should happen. Her book tells you what actually does happen!. Some children's 'difficulties' do not present in an obvious way, which makes diagnosis problematic, and access to help unforthcoming. This was the experience of Sandy Row, who, after a decade of misdiagnoses and unsatisfactory explanations for her children's struggle in mainstream school, realised that her children had special educational needs (SEN) and began her long quest for help from the SEN system. Row's testimony illustrates how the special educational needs system works and empowers other parents to demand help for their children who have special educational needs that require attention. This frank and practical book challenges the theoretical and often impenetrable established literature on SEN, and instead provides an accessible and effective resource for those needing advice and answers about their rights to services and help for their children.