Supporting aspirations – or not? Recent reforms on equality, the green paper on Special Educational Needs and the potential of a neurodiversity spectrum statement

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to apply critical legal analysis to laws, policies and reforms focused on special educational needs (SEN) and equality in England and to suggest a Neurodiversity spectrum statement.Design/methodology/approach -The paper reviews current legal and policy initiatives in SEN, together with recent reforms in equality law.Findings -While past and current policies may have laudable aims, tensions such as a lack of integration of education, health and social services have had prejudicial outcomes for children with SEN, their families/carers, and the professionals involved.Originality/value -Legal reforms promise to remedy some problems, but must be underpinned by adequate resourcing, appeal procedures, and remedies which foster the enforcement of legal duties. Some resources for families with children with SEN are noted.

‘Forget the Health and Care and just call them Education Plans’: SENCOs' perspectives on Education, Health and Care plans

“…Norwich () argued that a reduction in EHC plans may reflect a tightening up of the system, influenced by concerns about an over‐identification of SEN during the 2000s (Ofsted, ). Although reductions were intended to prevent discrimination against misidentified individuals (Mackenzie, Watts and Howe, ), SENCOs within the current study feared that unjustified EHC plan refusals could disadvantage children in need. Reflecting on the SEN reforms, Norwich () argued that the distinction between children who needed an EHC plan and children who could be supported without one, did not appear to be based on clear or established SEN models, but on regional interpretations and definitions of what were deemed significant needs.…”

“…argued that a reduction in EHC plans may reflect a tightening up of the system, influenced by concerns about an over-identification of SEN during the 2000s (Ofsted, 2010). Although reductions were intended to prevent discrimination against misidentified individuals (Mackenzie, Watts and Howe, 2012), SENCOs within the current study feared that unjustified EHC plan refusals could disadvantage children in need.…”

Clinician Perspectives of Adult High-Functioning Autism Support Groups’ Use of Neurodiversity Concept

“…Proponents of this concept hold the position that persons with neuroatypicality should have the opportunity for full social inclusion [43]. Society can change its understanding of and behavior toward those with autism spectrum disorder.…”