For me, it starts with hypervigilance, where I will be defending and justifying everything, this phase passes and then the numbness creeps in filling me with emptiness, progresses to a paralysis one which is similar to burnout. I can’t engage, I struggle to think clearly and I am unable to perform the simplest of self-care tasks. Yet, whilst all of this is going on – I can’t let my son see.
SEN Parent Support Group NEWS LETTER
SEN Parent Support Group 2024/2025 NEWS!! Message from Founder, awards, accreditations, media coverage and much more!
A SEN Parents Glimmer of Hope!
It was the day when, smack in the middle of year 5, his primary school days ended. He had a period of escalation leading up to that fateful day – refusing to do work at school, struggling to sleep, hiding under desks, pacing corridors, EBSA – but nothing could have prepared us for the abrupt end which led to him being unnecessarily restrained and traumatised. One year ago, my boy was broken.
It was awful, it felt like it would break our family. Our boy became aggressive, could barely talk at the beginning and was so clearly in mental anguish, barely existing day to day.
BUT … that is our past and not our future.
So, let me share with you some highlights from the last year
Living with PDA – No, it is not “spoilt child syndrome”
One approach that has helped us survive is low demand parenting. This means
strategically reducing the number of direct demands placed on a child so they feel
more in control and less anxious. Sounds simple, right? Ha. Think again.
Groundhog Day For Your SEND Child?
A new day, a new beginning – a chance to start again! That’s what parents say to bring about a positive start to the day, why, because we have foresight and hope! A child’s perspective is very different, you see when they open their eyes each morning, none of that happens quite frankly, because quite often they don’t have the developed cognition to see past the now, or the yesterday and the fear that the previous day brought!
A Parents Reality
Believe it or not, I have a life and things I would much rather be doing that being a pain in your arse and sending you emails like I’m Fiona from Baby Reindeer (on crack).
Time Blindness – What is it?
Time blindness is a term used to describe difficulties in perceiving, estimating, and managing time. It is often associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
SALT ASSESSMENTS CAN THEY HELP?
Your children can’t explain their difficulties in a school setting so they will instead say things like “I don’t like the teacher” or “I just can’t do it”. “The teacher is mean to me” and “kids are mean to me”!
The Power of Community-SEN Parent Support Group
A Members thought.. When we face the challenges of raising children with SEND, the journey can often feel isolating, overwhelming, and, at times, heart breaking. But something incredible happens when parents and carers come together, share their stories, and offer support: we build a community that uplifts, strengthens, and empowers each other to face the struggles ahead. Our SEN Parent Support Group has grown to over 24000 members since its founding by Andrea Dixon-Boldy on February 28th 2024 and is a shining example of just how powerful such a network can be. The size of our group alone is a testament to both the scale of the SEND issues we face and the deep need for connection and support. More than just a number, every member represents a family navigating a system that can sometimes feel stacked against them. In this group, we have found a place to share our experiences and our heartbreaks, but also our victories and hard-won successes. It is one of the most rewarding things I’ve been a part of, knowing that we are not just providing information but hopefully helping to guide so many families toward a brighter future for their children. None of us should have to walk this path alone. For many of us, there have been dark times this year. I’ve personally felt the weight of those moments when my son hit burnout, and the pain was almost unbearable. But through it all, I found solace in knowing that my experience could help someone else avoid the same heartbreak. That’s the real power of our community: using our own struggles and pain as a source of strength for others. Every shared story, every bit of advice, and every show of solidarity helps ease the burden for the next parent or carer facing a similar challenge. We are, above all else, a safe space. In a SEN world that can sometimes feel harsh and unsupportive, our group stands as a place of refuge. Here, we understand each other without judgment and offer support without hesitation. Our members, no matter where they are in their journey, know that they are not alone and that they have a community of other parents and carers who genuinely care and ‘get it’. But beyond emotional support, we strive to be part of the solution. Awareness of SEND issues is vital, and there are many groups out there raising their voices through petitions and activism, which we applaud wholeheartedly and appreciate the awareness this raises. However, our approach is grounded in empowering parents and carers with the knowledge they need to advocate for their children. We believe that one of the most powerful tools in this journey is understanding the law and your rights. By providing resources for free, we aim to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to ensure that their children receive the support and education they are entitled to. When parents know the law, they are better positioned to stand up for what is rightfully theirs, and in doing so, they pave the way for long-term change. The transformation that happens within this community is profound. Parents come in feeling lost and defeated, but through connection and education, they become empowered and ready to fight for their children’s futures. Together, we are part of something bigger than ourselves, something that extends beyond any one family or child. We are creating ripples of change that will help reshape how SEND issues are approached and understood. It is a journey of shared resilience, hope, and empowerment. And it’s one that I am so proud to be part of. Every day, as we continue to grow, I see the impact we have not just on parents and carers, but ultimately on the children who are at the heart of it all. They are why we fight, and they are why this community exists. This group has become more than a support network – it is a lifeline. For every parent who feels lost in the system, for every child who deserves better, and for every family standing at the brink, we are here, together, to make sure no one is left behind. That’s the power of our community, and that’s the difference we’re making, one shared story, one empowered parent, and one supported child at a time. A HUGE thanks to Andrea for making this a reality and to the selfless team of volunteers ready to support you!
