Raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) brings profound challenges and difficulties for parents. From getting a diagnosis to accessing support, and financial pressures to emotional impacts, parents face a multitude of struggles. Their selfless devotion and tireless efforts to support their child often go unrecognised. This article explores the key difficulties parents of an SEN child commonly encounter in the UK.
Getting a Diagnosis
One of the first challenges parents face is getting an accurate diagnosis for their child. The assessment process can be lengthy and stressful as parents wait to understand the exact nature of their child’s needs. It can take well over 2 years – and often much longer – to get a definitive diagnosis like autism spectrum disorder. During this limbo period, parents struggle to access the right support.
Once diagnosed, parents still need to understand the implications of the diagnosis and prognosis. They must learn about the condition and available interventions while processing their emotions about having a child with additional needs. Doctors don’t always provide enough information or signposting during the diagnosis. Parents are left to research and find specialist support, such as an SEN advocate, alone. SEN advocates, for example, can help parents navigate the SEND system in England. 
Accessing Support
With a diagnosis, parents expect services and support to follow. But the reality is very different. Obtaining the right school placement, therapy, social care, respite, and other services can be extremely challenging. Lengthy waiting lists, cuts to services, strict eligibility criteria, and battling with agencies are commonly encountered issues. Parents frequently feel left to fend for themselves. Those more familiar with the system or from higher socio-economic groups tend to fare better.
Parents work hard to research and fight for support. But continually hitting barriers and rejections takes its toll. Stress, frustration, exhaustion, and isolation are commonly felt by parents seeking appropriate, timely support. Their persistent efforts and advocacy rarely seem enough. Their child’s needs remain unmet while parents burn out.
Financial Pressures
Raising a child with additional needs also brings financial strain. Costs quickly stack up including therapy fees, private assessments, legal advice, home adaptations, special equipment, and higher day-to-day expenses.
One parent reducing work hours or stopping completely is often necessary too. However, this dramatically shrinks household income. Making ends meet on a single, limited salary or benefits alone brings tremendous stress. Affording basics like housing, bills, and food can become a real worry and struggle for parents. Their financial sacrifices and hardships are immense.
Emotional Impact
All these pressures and battles have an emotional toll on parents. Exhaustion, guilt, worry, grief, and social isolation are commonly felt. Parents are at high risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Their stress is relentless and can seem unbearable at times. 
Lack of Understanding from Others
On top of everything else, parents often feel misunderstood and judged by extended family, friends, and society. People don’t appreciate the 24/7 care and advocacy SEN parenting requires. Negative assumptions and hurtful comments are sadly commonplace. Isolation grows when relationships become strained.
Despite their difficulties, parents strive every day to provide the absolute best for their child. But they cannot do it alone. Greater understanding, support, and resources are desperately needed to help these parents. Their devotion and immense personal sacrifice deserve far more recognition and support from society. We all have a role to play in supporting them.
Note: This is a collaborative post
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