Below is a list of some of the most common SEND abbreviations, conditions and terms and what they mean, along with related links that you may find useful. This is by no means an exhaustive list and there are many more conditions that qualify as SEND.
Remember: if your child needs support that is different from, or additional to, that which other children of their age receive, then this counts as special educational privision, as set out in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2015).
A
Anxiety
Asperger Syndrome
Also known as: Asperger’s
The body’s natural response to stress, which can exhibit itself in a number of ways.
More information:
NHS: Anxiety in Children
Considered to be a form of autism.
More information:
The National Autistic Society:Asperger Syndrome
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Also known as: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) / Disorders (ASD)
A condition that causes difficulties with attentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
More information:
NHS: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
An umbrella term for a range of conditions considered ‘autistic.’
See Autism.
Autism
A condition often characterised by difficulties with social interaction and communicating with others.
More information:
The National Autistic Society: What is autism?
B
Blindness and Visual Impairment
Partial or total sight loss in one or both eyes, either genetic or caused by an accident.
More information:
NHS: Blindness and Vision Loss
C
Cerebral Palsy
Cystic Fibrosis
A lifelong condition that impacts on movement and co-ordination.
More information:
NHS: Cerebral Palsy
A genetic condition that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system.
More information:
NHS: Cystic Fibrosis
D
Deafness and Hearing Impairments
Down’s Syndrome
Hearing loss in one or both ears, either temporary or permanent.
More information:
National Deaf Children’s Society: What is deafness?
Genetic condition where a child is born with an extra chromosome in each cell, causing some degree of learning disability.
More information:
NHS: What is Down’s syndrome?
Dyscalculia
Dysgraphia
A learning disability where there are difficulties with acquiring mathematical skills.
More information:
The Dyslexia Association: What is Dyscalculia?
A learning difficulty involving the nervous system that affects the fine motor skills needed to write.
More information:
WebMD: What Is Dysgraphia?
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Also known as: Developmental Coordination Disorder
A common learning difficulty that causes problems with reading, writing and spelling.
More information:
NHS: Dyslexia
A physical disorder to do with co-ordination; resulting in poor movement skills and clumsiness.
More information:
NHS: Developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) in children
E
Epilepsy
A common brain condition that can cause seizures which affect how the brain works.
More information:
NHS: Epilepsy
M
Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
A term used to describe children who struggle to acquire basic language and number skills, usually resulting in attainment well below the expected level for their chronological age.
O
Occupational Therapy
A branch of health care that aims to improve a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks they may be finding difficult.
P
Physical disability
Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
A condition affecting the body, such as a hearing or visual impairment, or the need to use a wheelchair.
A term encompassing severe and complex learning difficulties, often combined with physical disabilities and sensory impairments.
More information:
MENCAP: Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)
S
SEND
Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, a term describing children and young people with a learning difficulty or disability that makes it harder for them to learn than other pupils of the same age.
A term describing those with little or no speech and who may find it very difficult to understand, learn and remember new skills.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Speech and Language Therapy (SALT)
A term used to describe difficulties managing emotions and behaviour.
A branch of healthcare for children and adults who struggle with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing.
More information:
RCSLT: What is speech and language therapy?
Speech, Language and Communication (SLCN) needs
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
A term encompassing those who have difficulty communicating with others, or who have a speech impediment like a stammer.
A collective term for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD/ADD.