A Series on Parenting and Special Educational Needs: Understanding Special Needs vs. Neurodiversity
We live in a world where we have unlimited access to information at our fingertips. With a quick and simple search, we can find countless articles, opinions, blog posts, and research articles on any topic, including Special Educational Needs (SEN). But, despite this wealth of information, it can actually feel like we have little clarity. The way terminology changes, understandings evolve, and controversial viewpoints arise, it can be quite challenging to keep up. Instead of finding clear-cut answers, many parents are often left feeling overwhelmed about which sources to trust or what the ‘right’ approach might be.
For families navigating the complexities of the SEN landscape, this abundance of information can be both a blessing and a burden. Yes, while there are more resources available than ever before, the sheer volume and variety of perspectives can sometimes add to the confusion rather than offering guidance. So, it is not surprising that many parents often feel lost or uncertain about how best to support their children – or at worst case, feel guilty about not being able to help themselves or their child after they have tried the countless approaches that have been recommended. This appears to be especially true for parents who have just started their journey.
In this journey, parents often come across the terms “special [educational] needs” and “neurodiversity”, each offering a different framework for understanding their child’s development. Both perspectives provide valuable insights, but which one resonates most can depend on a family’s cultural context (conformity and group cohesion vs individuality), personal experiences, and evolving understanding of their child’s needs. This article will explore the current understandings for these frameworks to help parents navigate their journey.
What Does ‘Special Educational Need’ Mean?
In South Africa, SEN refers to a broad range of conditions that impact a child’s ability to learn and develop compared to their peers. As mentioned in the previous article in this series, this can include learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, mental health difficulties, and behavioural challenges. Children who experience SEN may need specialised interventions, resources, or accommodations to succeed academically. The focus of this particular framework is on providing extra support to children to meet specific learning goals.
As Ignacio Estrada said, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” This quote captures the essence of the SEN approach – it is about adapting educational methods to meet each child’s unique needs, whether it is through extra help in the classroom, personalised learning strategies, or specific therapies.
What Does ‘Neurodiversity’ Mean?
While SEN focuses on providing extra support for challenges, the neurodiversity model takes a different approach. Instead of viewing learning differences, mental health differences, or ‘neurotypes’ such as Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, Epilepsy, and Down’s Syndrome, as something to “fix”, it celebrates them as natural variations of the human brain. This model is cautious of categorising natural human differences and encourages us to move beyond the deficit model and appreciate the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring. Embracing neurodiversity involves recognising and celebrating (not just simply normalising) the different ways in which human minds operate. The ultimate underpinning of this model is to foster a more inclusive and understanding world.
As Temple Grandin once said, “I am different, not less”. This quote embodies the heart of the neurodiversity movement as it challenges the notion that being neurodivergent means being inferior, and it encourages us to embrace differences as valuable.
Why Might Some Parents Prefer One Term Over the Other?
Some parents may gravitate towards the term “special educational need” when they feel their child requires specific interventions or accommodations to succeed in traditional educational settings. This framework emphasises the need for specialised resources to help children meet expected milestones. On the other hand, some parents may prefer the neurodiversity model because it centres on their child’s inherent strengths and individuality. This framework encourages acceptance and celebrates the child’s unique way of thinking and learning, rather than focusing solely on areas that require support.
Why Reflecting on These Frameworks Matters
Reflecting on these frameworks is not just about choosing a label; it is about finding clarity and empowerment. By exploring both perspectives, parents can better align their parenting approach with their values. Reflection allows parents to clarify what matters most to them, whether it is focused interventions to help their child reach specific goals or fostering an environment that celebrates their child’s unique strengths. It also guides decision-making, making it easier to choose the right schools, therapies, or approaches that fit the child’s needs.
Taking time to reflect on the different frameworks can shape how parents engage with teachers, healthcare professionals and even how they interact with their own child. Having such conversations also allows parents to advocate more effectively for their children. Instead of feeling pressure to fix things or achieve a certain outcome, reflection shifts the focus to a broader understanding of child’s individuality, reducing feelings of guilt when things do not go as planned. Overall, by reflecting on these frameworks, parents can ultimately create a more supportive environment for their child.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you identify with the SEN or neurodiversity framework, the key is to ensure that your child receives the support, understanding, and respect they need to thrive. Parents are not alone in this journey, and finding the right approach is a step towards creating a more inclusive and understanding future for all children. Navigating these frameworks can be a long and reflective process. Parents do not have to have to put pressure on themselves to have immediate answers, and there is no one ‘right’ path. But as parents continue to explore and find what resonates most with them and their children, they will eventually be better equipped to advocate for their children. In the next post, we’ll explore how inclusion and advocacy can further support the development and well-being of children.