Understanding Educational Support for ADHD and ASC, Including EHCPs and Charities That Help Fulfill Them

For children and young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), receiving the right support in education is crucial for their success and well-being. Schools in England are required to provide support tailored to the individual needs of these students, whether through classroom adjustments or more formal plans like an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Navigating the education system can be challenging, but there are a number of resources, including charities, that can help families access the support their child needs.

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What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines the additional support a child or young person with special educational needs (SEN) requires to achieve their potential. EHCPs are designed for individuals who need more support than what is generally provided in mainstream educational settings.

An EHCP covers:

• Educational Needs: Tailored support within the school environment to address learning difficulties related to ADHD, ASC, or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

• Health Needs: Any medical or psychological interventions needed to support the child’s education.

• Social Care Needs: Support to ensure the child or young person’s well-being and social development, both in and out of school.

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The EHCP Process:

1. Request for Assessment: Parents, schools, or healthcare professionals can request an assessment for an EHCP from the local authority if they believe a child needs extra support. The assessment may involve input from teachers, educational psychologists, health professionals, and social workers.

2. Creating the Plan: If the local authority agrees that the child requires additional support, an EHCP will be created. The plan will detail specific interventions, accommodations, and goals to support the child’s education.

3. Review and Monitoring: EHCPs are regularly reviewed (usually annually) to ensure the support remains relevant and effective as the child progresses through school.

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Educational Support for ADHD and ASC:

Children with ADHD and ASC often have unique learning styles and may require specialised support to thrive in school. Educational support typically focuses on the following areas:

1. Classroom Accommodations:

   • Individualised Instruction: Tailoring teaching methods to suit the child's learning needs, such as using visual aids, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and providing one-on-one support.

   • Sensory Adjustments: For children with ASC who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli, schools can provide sensory-friendly classrooms, quiet zones, or allow the use of sensory tools such as fidget toys or noise-cancelling headphones.

   • Seating Arrangements: For children with ADHD, seating them closer to the teacher and away from distractions can improve focus and engagement.

2. Behavioural Support:

   • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): Schools may use PBS strategies to encourage positive behaviour and reduce disruptive outbursts. This might include reward systems, structured routines, and clear expectations.

   • Emotional and Social Support: Children with ADHD or ASC often struggle with social interactions. Schools may implement social skills training or peer mentoring programs to help the child develop stronger social and emotional skills.

3. Support Staff:

   • Teaching Assistants (TAs): A TA can provide additional support in the classroom, helping the child stay on task, understand instructions, and manage their emotions.

   • Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs): Every school has a SENCO responsible for coordinating the support for children with special educational needs. They work closely with parents, teachers, and external specialists to develop individualised support plans.

4. Specialised Schools:

   • Some children with ADHD or ASC may benefit from attending a specialised school that caters specifically to their needs, with smaller class sizes and tailored learning environments.

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Charities That Help Fulfil EHCPs and Provide Educational Support:

Many charities in England support children with ADHD and ASC and help families navigate the EHCP process, ensuring that their children receive the appropriate educational support. These charities can offer advice, advocacy, and sometimes funding for additional services.

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1. IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice):

• IPSEA is a national charity that offers free and independent legal advice to families of children with special educational needs. They help parents understand their rights under the law and support them through the EHCP process, including appealing decisions if necessary.

• Website: www.ipsea.org.uk

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2. National Autistic Society (NAS):

• NAS provides extensive resources and advice for families of children with autism, including guidance on educational rights and support. They offer training for schools, help with EHCP applications, and run specialist schools across the country.

• Website: www.autism.org.uk

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3. ADHD Foundation:

• The ADHD Foundation works to support children with ADHD and their families. They offer resources on managing ADHD in school, help with the EHCP process, and provide training for teachers and educational staff.

• Website: www.adhdfoundation.org.uk

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4. Contact (For Families with Disabled Children):

• Contact provides support to families with disabled children, including those with ADHD and ASC. They offer advice on accessing educational support, applying for EHCPs, and managing transitions between school stages.

• Website: www.contact.org.uk

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5. Ambitious about Autism:

• This charity focuses on providing education, employment, and training opportunities for young people with autism. They also run specialist schools and offer guidance on EHCPs, helping families secure the right support for their child.

• Website: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

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6. Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF):

• The CBF supports families of children with severe learning disabilities who display challenging behaviour. They provide guidance on using PBS strategies in education and can assist with ensuring EHCPs address behavioural needs effectively.

• Website: www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk

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7. Family Fund:

• Family Fund provides grants to families raising disabled children, which can be used for educational resources, technology, or other items that help meet the child’s needs as outlined in their EHCP.

• Website: www.familyfund.org.uk

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How Charities Can Help Fulfil EHCPs

The charities mentioned above play a crucial role in helping families navigate the EHCP process. They provide:

• Advocacy: Many families struggle to secure the necessary support for their child. Charities like IPSEA and NAS offer legal and educational advocacy to ensure children get the services they are entitled to.

• Expert Advice: Charities often provide resources, helplines, and one-on-one support to guide families through the EHCP process, from requesting assessments to reviewing EHCPs and challenging decisions.

• Training for Schools: Charities also provide training and resources for teachers, helping them understand the needs of neurodivergent students and how to support them effectively in the classroom.

• Grants and Funding: Some charities, such as Family Fund, provide financial assistance for additional resources that can help a child succeed in school, including assistive technology, sensory equipment, and tutoring.

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At BrightPath Neuro Assessments, we understand the importance of education for neurodivergent children and young people. We work closely with families to ensure that children with ADHD and ASC receive the support they need in school, including assistance with EHCPs and advocacy. We can guide you through the process of accessing educational support and connect you with the right resources to help your child succeed.

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For more information or assistance with educational support for ADHD or ASC, contact us today.