Discussing Therapy with Your Child: Parenting Special Needs Children During Early Term SEN Assessments

Discussing Therapy with Your Child: Parenting Special Needs Children During Early Term SEN Assessments

Introduction

As the new school term begins and your child undergoes Special Educational Needs (SEN) assessments, the conversation about therapy might become more relevant. Many parents, especially those parenting special needs children, often feel increased anxiety during these early assessments, worrying about how to broach the subject of therapy without causing additional stress. This article aims to guide you through this delicate conversation, providing strategies based on understanding children's needs, and offering reassurance during this potentially challenging time.

Why This Matters Now

Discussing therapy is vital as early term assessments can reveal or confirm areas where your child might need additional support, such as managing ADHD or dealing with learning disabilities. These assessments often bring a mix of emotions and questions, and preparing to address these through therapy can help your child to better cope with their individual challenges. This process also supports parents who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps in supporting their child’s development.

Practical Strategies

Introduce Therapy as a Positive Support

Start talking about therapy by framing it as a supportive tool that can help your child understand and manage their feelings or behaviours more effectively. Explain therapy using age-appropriate language, focusing on the positives such as having someone to talk to who really understands. For younger children involved in early intervention for learning disabilities, you might describe the therapist as a 'special teacher' who helps kids learn to tackle things they find tricky.

Use Books and Stories

Children often understand complex topics better through stories. Consider using books that introduce the concept of therapy or dealing with challenges, specifically tailored for children with SEN. This method helps normalise therapy and sparks conversations about feelings and coping mechanisms. Look for books that discuss themes related to autism, ADHD, or general emotional regulation to make this learning relevant to your child’s experiences during the SEN assessments.

Prepare with Role-Play

Role-play can be a very effective strategy in preparing your child for therapy, especially if they're anxious about what to expect. Set up a mock therapy session where you can gently guide your child through what might happen in a session, who they will meet, and what kinds of questions they might be asked. This familiarisation can be particularly comforting for children who thrive on routine and predictability, such as those with autism.

Planning Ahead

Knowing the right time to discuss therapy is as important as how you discuss it. Plan to initiate conversations about therapy after positive moments or achievements to associate these talks with feelings of success rather than difficulties. Equipping yourself with knowledge about different therapeutic practices, such as behavioural therapies for ADHD or speech therapies for language delays, can also allow you to address specific concerns your child may raise during these discussions.

When to Seek Additional Support

While introducing therapy and supporting your child through SEN assessments, you might encounter moments where you feel out of depth. If your child expresses persistent distress, or if you notice significant behavioural changes, it could be important to seek additional professional advice. Starting therapy is a significant step, and it's okay to ask for help from educational psychologists, counsellors or your GP to ensure you’re providing the best support possible.

Moving Forward

Progressing after discussing therapy involves observing how your child responds to the idea and adjusting your approach as needed. Continuous support, openness about discussing feelings and regular check-ins about therapy can help your child feel secure. Also consider connecting with support groups for parents of autistic children, where you can share experiences and strategies.