Almost all children experience difficulties with their learning at some stage. This is usually temporary and will resolve as the child grows. However, some children have a more permanent difficulty and this may affect their education. It is these children that are considered to have explain what is meant by the term special educational needs (SEN).
These children can be identified from early childhood and their parents will likely be told of the need for extra help or support by a health visitor or doctor during routine checks. They might also be told of the need for a special educational needs assessment or referral by a teacher.
Demystifying Special Educational Needs (SEN): What It Entails
SEN is a broad term that covers a variety of difficulties, such as cognitive and learning difficulties like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. It can also include behavioral difficulties such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism, and hyperactivity or sensory disabilities such as visual and hearing impairments. Children with SEN can be taught alongside their peers in mainstream classrooms and they can also attend specialist schools for students with additional educational needs called special schools or sarskola.
The teaching in a special school is individualized and focuses on strengths as well as challenges. Kids who qualify for this type of education are provided with an individual education plan or IEP. This is a big point of pride for special needs teachers and there is much guidance available to assist in this area. There are also a variety of competitive organizations such as the Special Olympics that provide opportunities for disabled children to participate in organized sporting activities.