The glossary below breaks down key terms and phrases you may come across when talking about SEND in school. Click the box below to expand and view the full list of terms.
Glossary of Terms
| ADHD / ADD | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
| ASD / ASC | Autism Spectrum Disorder / Autism Spectrum Condition |
| CAMHS | Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service |
| EHCP | Education, Health and Care Plan |
| EP | Educational Psychologist |
| EWO | Education Welfare Officer |
| HI | Hearing Impairment |
| IASS | Information, Advice and Support Services |
| LSA | Learning Support Assistant |
| ODD | Oppositional Defiance Disorder |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| PDA | Pathological Demand Avoidance |
| SALT | Speech and Language Therapy |
| SEMH | Social Emotional and Mental Health |
| SEND | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities |
| SENDCo | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator |
| SFP | School Focused Plan |
| SpLD | Specific Learning Difficuluties (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia) |
| SSS | Sensory Support Service |
| VI | Visual Impairment |
Useful Resources for Parents & Carers
Below is a list of local and national organisations that provide support, guidance and information for families of children and young people with SEND. Click each box to learn more.
Stockport’s Local Offer
The Stockport Local Offer provides advice, information and services to young people with SEND and their families.
SENDIASS
Stockport Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
The Together Trust offers SENDIASS – free, confidential and impartial support to parents and carers of young people aged between 0 and 25 in Stockport who have or may have SEND.
Young people can access the service on their own or with the support of their parents or carers.
PACTS
Parents and Carers Together Stockport (PACTS) is Stockport’s official local parent carer forum run by parents for parents, carers and family members who have a young person between the ages of 0-25 years with SEND.
British Dyslexia Association
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to create a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
The BDA website provides lots of useful information and advice about Dyslexia.
National Autistic Society
This is the UK’s leading charity for people who have autism and their families.
They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
Counselling Directory for ADHD
The Counselling Directory provides a wealth of information about ADHD, practical advice, and access to qualified and insured counsellors who are members of professional bodies.
The directory also highlights organisations offering free or low-cost counselling options, ensuring support is accessible to everyone.
As a platform referenced by the NHS and Mind, and holding the PIF TICK for trusted information, they are committed to providing reliable resources for individuals and families navigating ADHD.