The Single Parent’s Guide to Special Education Needs (SEN)

Being a single parent is a tough gig. You’ve got to juggle work, household chores, parenting, and superhero duties all by yourself. But what if your child has special educational needs (SEN)? Things can get overwhelming quickly. 

We’re here to help you navigate this confidently, providing expert advice and insider tips in “the system parents guide” and this parent’s guide to special education to make this journey as seamless as possible for you and your child.

Understanding special education needs (SEN) 

Before we dive into the single parent’s survival guide, let’s understand what SEN really means. SEN encompasses a wide range of learning difficulties or disabilities that can make learning more challenging for your child. These may include (but are not limited to):

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD may have trouble with reading comprehension, social interaction, abstract thought, literary devices (metaphors, idioms, and sarcasm), and following directions, even though ASD is not a learning disability in and of itself.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD may impair your child’s capacity to focus, pay attention for extended periods of time, listen attentively, and put effort into their academic work. Students with ADHD may also struggle with sitting still, being quiet, and speaking out in class.
• Dyslexia: Dyslexia affects reading skills most prominently, but it can also cause difficulties with attention and organization, as well as when it comes to learning math.
• Speech and language difficulties: Children with language impairments may have difficulty with modes of communication, including speaking, writing, and even reading aloud. This can make it hard for them to grasp the significance of individual words and construct sentences.

Building your support network 

As a single parent navigating the intricacies of raising a child with special educational needs, the journey can feel isolating. However, it’s essential to recognize that you’re not alone, and a robust support network can make a world of difference.

1. Reach out to support groups 

You might feel like an island in all this, trying to protect and nurture your child in a world that feels against both of you. It’s reassuring to find that the opposite is often true. 

There are a few different ways you can get the support you need and deserve through resources like this parent’s guide to special education.

The easiest and least time-consuming are online forums. Parent Carer Forums (PCF) is the place where you’ll be able to discuss and seek advice from other parents. If you’re looking for a more social outlet, check out local bulletins to see what support is available in your area.

2. Collaborate with the school 

When it comes to a parent’s guide to special education, your child’s school can be your biggest ally and obstacle in the same breath. Being on good terms with your child’s teachers and support staff can make a massive difference in your child’s school experience.

Be proactive about advocating for your child, but always listen to their teachers; they may have dealt with similar situations before and have some insight. 

3. Seek professional guidance 

Taking the help of a professional might seem like a no-brainer, but professional intervention is sometimes the best step. From your family doctor to speech and language therapists, getting a professional’s opinion can give you, as a single parent, some peace of mind and, hopefully, practical steps forward.

Unfortunately, professional support can come with long wait lists or hefty price tags. But there are ways for you to become a professional by exploring online SEND courses. Discover effective methods to manage your child’s behavior and schoolwork from the comfort of your home.

Embracing SEN and creating a supportive environment

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is paramount in parenting a child with special educational needs (SEN). Your child’s unique abilities and talents are their superpowers. Let’s explore how you can empower them to flourish and navigate the world confidently.

1. Celebrating small wins and setting realistic expectations 

As you already know, your kid is amazing. Their struggles at school won’t define them or your skills as a parent. There are areas where they thrive that you can work on emphasizing. Make sure your child knows you see their strengths. You can do this by: 

• Always acknowledging their efforts. Let them know you see how much effort they put into their tasks. 
• Emphasize their unique talents, abilities, and interests. Let them know you see and appreciate their prowess in certain tasks or activities. 
• Praise specific achievements! For example, “I’m so proud of how you persevered through that difficult math problem.” 
• Celebrate their progress, even if it’s small. Share some examples with them of how you’ve seen them grow. 
• Model self-acceptance, even when it’s hard. By embracing your strengths and weaknesses out loud, they’ll see that everyone has areas where they excel and things they’re less good at. 

2. Sensory-friendly spaces 

Whether your child is neuro-diverse or otherwise, kids need a space they can go to when the pressures of school, home, or extracurriculars get too much. As a single parent, the costs mount up quickly.

From groceries and activities to keeping the lights on, it’s a struggle to consider home modifications on top. Here are our affordable tips to create a calm space for your child:

• Soft lighting: Lighting can make a surprisingly significant difference. Try replacing the bulbs in their bedroom with soft lighting. Like sunlight, full-spectrum lighting may potentially decrease anxiety and improve behavior.
• Quiet corner: You can create a quiet space in your home for free. Choose a quiet and less-trafficked area where your child can have some privacy. Rearrange some furniture you already have, maybe a comfy chair, bean bag, or even pillows, to create a cozy area.

Add blankets and stuffed animals to make it truly inviting. Collect sensory toys or quiet activities your child can engage in in their quiet space.

• Visual supports: These work great for kids of all ages, but make sure your visual supports are age-appropriate for older children if you have them. You can create visual schedules, timers, and boards to help your child understand activities and chores.

Navigating the education system 

Navigating the education system can be a complex journey, especially when your child has special educational needs. To ensure your child receives the support they deserve and the education they need, it’s essential to be informed and proactive.

Knowing your rights and collaborating with teachers are crucial aspects of this process. Refer to this comprehensive family guide to special education services for more information on navigating the education system.

1. Know your rights 

Though your rights will vary depending on where you are globally, you do have some regarding your child’s education. In the United States, for example, all children have a right to free and appropriate public education, and all parents have the right to request an evaluation of special education services.

Schools must obtain your consent before changing your child’s education program, and you have a right to be involved in placement decisions. Research your rights and ensure you know what you’re entitled to. It’ll come in handy when you least expect it! 

2. Collaborate with teachers (even difficult ones) 

Sometimes, you’re blessed with a great teacher for your child. Other times, not so much. Regardless, you have to try to establish a rapport with them! Here are a few tips for establishing a positive relationship: 

• Open communication: Start by engaging your child’s teacher in conversation and expressing your desire to collaborate and work in your child’s best interests. 
• Actively listen: Ensure you listen to the teacher’s perspective and empathize with their challenges. Ask for their input, if appropriate, and value their professional expertise. They might have some strategies you haven’t thought of. 
• Share information: Provide relevant information to the teacher about your child’s needs, preferences, triggers, and successful strategies you’ve found at home. 
• Document everything: Try to keep records of your communications with the school. Meetings, agreements, emails, and texts will all paint a picture should you need to escalate your concerns at any point. Get it in writing!

Watch Debra Vines, the founder of THE ANSWER INC., as she shares her story and her quest of taking care of her child with special needs and what she discovered from that experience:

You’ve got this (No, really)

Being a single parent to a child with SEN can be one of the toughest jobs. Strength, patience, and dedication are essential. But hear us out: You can do it!

Know that you are not alone on this journey, and opportunities are available to meet people to cheer you on, as outlined in this parent’s guide to special education. Have faith in yourself, take action, and enjoy the ride.

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Emma Murphy Blogger

Emma Murphy works for Association of Learning as a SEND support training expert and writer. When seeking strategies to support their students, countless parents and educators have turned to Association of Learning for training. Their mission... Read more is to better the lives of students, parents, and teaching staff by making it possible for them to earn qualifications alongside their full-time jobs. No deadlines, no classrooms, no exams. Read less