SEND Glossary
SEND Glossary: A parent's guide to common SEND terms and acronyms
Navigating the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can feel overwhelming, especially when you're faced with unfamiliar acronyms and educational terminology.
This glossary explains some of the most common SEND terms in plain English to help parents and carers feel more confident when speaking with schools, professionals and local authorities.
A
Annual Review
A yearly meeting to review a child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), ensuring it continues to meet their needs.
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
A term previously used to describe autism. Many professionals now simply use the term "autism".
Autism
A lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world.
C
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
NHS services providing assessment and support for children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Cognition and Learning Needs
One of the four broad areas of SEND, including difficulties with literacy, numeracy, memory and processing information.
D
Differentiation
Adjusting teaching methods, activities or resources to meet a child's individual learning needs.
Dyscalculia
A specific learning difficulty affecting mathematical understanding and number skills.
Dyslexia
A specific learning difficulty affecting reading, spelling and written language skills.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
A condition affecting movement, coordination and planning everyday tasks.
E
EAL (English as an Additional Language)
A child who speaks a language other than English at home. EAL is not a special educational need, although some children may have both EAL and SEND.
EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
Persistent difficulty attending school because of emotional distress or anxiety.
Educational Psychologist (EP)
A specialist who assesses children's learning needs and recommends appropriate support.
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
A legal document outlining the educational, health and social care support a child or young person needs.
Executive Functioning
The mental skills involved in planning, organising, remembering instructions, managing time and controlling impulses.
I
IEP (Individual Education Plan)
A document previously used by many schools to outline SEND support. Although less common today, some schools still use them.
L
Local Authority (LA)
The council responsible for assessing SEND needs and issuing EHCPs.
O
Occupational Therapist (OT)
A healthcare professional who helps children develop practical skills needed for everyday life, including handwriting, sensory regulation and self-care.
P
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Persistent Drive for Autonomy)
A profile experienced by some autistic individuals, characterised by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands due to anxiety.
Provision
The support, teaching or resources provided to help a child learn.
S
SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)
Support for children experiencing speech, language or communication difficulties.
School Refusal / EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
Persistent difficulty attending school because of emotional distress or anxiety.
SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health)
One of the four broad areas of SEND, relating to emotional wellbeing, behaviour and mental health.
SEN (Special Educational Needs)
A child has SEN if they need additional educational support beyond what is typically provided for children of the same age.
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
The member of staff responsible for overseeing SEND provision within a school.
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
The term used to describe children and young people who have additional learning needs or disabilities requiring extra support.
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Challenges with processing sensory information such as sounds, textures, lights or movement.
Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)
An umbrella term for conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
W
Working Memory
The ability to hold and use information for short periods. Difficulties with working memory can affect following instructions, reading comprehension and maths.
Need More Support?
Understanding SEND terminology is only the first step. Every child learns differently, and the right support can make a significant difference to their confidence and progress.
If you're looking for personalised SEND tutoring or guidance, I can provide patient, individualised support tailored to your child's strengths and needs.