NeuroAware - A Neurodiversity and SEND Support service in County Durhan
Why does NeuroAware exist as a platform for championing Neurodiversity and SEND rights in County Durham? Allow me to serve!
NeuroAware exists because navigating SEND systems is not just complex, it is relentless.
I didn’t set out to become a SEND Advocate.
I became one because our child needed me to be. I was relatively settled in an environment that gave me some flexibility. And then - Mother of God the SEND system opened its cruel arms and welcomed me into the void 😬
What followed was years of researching legislation, writing evidence, chasing missed deadlines, navigating mediation, preparing for Tribunal, and constantly having to prove that our child’s needs were real and significant enough to deserve support.
Alongside advocating for our child, I was quietly unravelling, trying to hold down a full-time job, be a supportive spouse and occasionally remember to eat cheese. 🧀
The emotional toll of living in constant fight-or-flight, the pressure of holding systems to account, and the invisible labour of SEND parenting pushed me out of the world of employment I once felt safe in.
Through this journey, I was diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD (because, you know, why just have one emotionally overwhelmed, internally hyperactive household member).
Suddenly, the burnout that followed years of masking while trying to survive broken systems made sense.
NeuroAware was born from this experience. I understand how deeply this process impacts families and individuals. I understand you are labelled as 'difficult' by both schools and Local Authorities for daring to uphold your legal rights.
NeuroAware exists for you to know your rights and to give you the knowledge and confidence to stand up for yourself, and your child, by refusing to accept less than what the law requires. Join us!
#neurodivergent #NeurodiversityAwareness #SupportForParents #SENDSupport #NeurodivergentFriendly #CountyDurham
SEND White Paper
There’s a lot of noise about the SEND White Paper.
So I’ve focused first on what most families are asking:
👉 What happens to EHCPs?
👉 What happens to SEND Support?
Here’s what we know.
EHCPs are proposed to remain
but potentially for the most “complex and specialist” needs.
Individual Support Plans may become the earlier, mainstream route.
Nothing changes today. EHCPs are still legally enforceable.Tribunal rights remain. Any reform would require legislation and time.
The real questions now are:
• Who decides what’s “complex”?
• When would thresholds shift?
• How will transitions after 2030 be handled?
• What safeguards will exist?
This is not about panic. NeuroAware will try to ensure families understand what may be coming, before it becomes law.
#SEND
#SENDReform
#SENDWhitePaper
#EHCP
#EducationHealthCarePlan
Understanding the Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) process should be parent friendly. It isn't.
This reel breaks down the legal steps parents need to know clearly, calmly, and without the myths.
You have the right to request an EHC needs assessment.
You do not need a diagnosis.
The two part legal test is simply:
⚠️ "The child has or MAY HAVE SEN"
AND
⚠️“It MAY be necessary for Special Educational provision to be made"
If both questions could be answered yes, the Local Authority MUST secure an Educational Health Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) and review the Educational Psychologist report.
Swipe, save, and share with another SEND parent who needs this 💚
#EHCP #SENDSupport #SENDParenting #EHCPHelp #SEND #SpecialEducationalNeeds #NeurodiversityUK #SENDAdvocate #UKParents
EHCPs - Do you know your legal rights?
The legal test for an Educational Health Care Needs Assessment (Children and Families Act 2014, s.36(8)) is:
1️⃣ Does the child have, or MAY they have, SEN?
2️⃣ MAY it be necessary for special educational provision to be made through an EHCP?
• You do NOT need a diagnosis
• You can apply yourself (as I did)
• The legal test is a low threshold of “may it be necessary?" (May = possible, NOT proven)
• The LA must decide within 6 weeks
• The full process should take no more than 20 weeks
• You have the right to appeal
The EHCNA assessment is there to gather evidence, not to gatekeep support.
Swipe through to understand your rights 💚
Informed parents are powerful advocates.DM NeuroAware if you need help.
#EHCP #EHCPSupport #SEND #SENDSupport #SENDLaw
