Children with SEND and the emotional impact on parents

Abstract

Children bring joy, new experiences and challenges into the lives of their families, and the focus of this article is on the often unrecognised emotional challenges and stigma experienced by parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This study involved a random sample group of 240 parents using a service in the Hull and East Riding areas of the UK. These parents filled in a questionnaire, the results of which showed that there were points of particular stress for some families, often involving their initial concerns when their children’s difficulties were unrecognised, the diagnosis itself, and then obtaining support. In addition, for some families, this stress led to the breakdown of parental relationships. Significant areas of additional stress included parents having feelings of guilt and emotional strain, with experiences of isolation for the family and negative impacts on parental mental health. Furthermore, some parents revealed incidences of stigma and a refusal to accept diagnoses and concerns, even from within the wider family. Likewise, some parents found that family and friends were not sympathetic or supportive. Finally, a number of parents also described detrimental impacts on siblings and expressed concerns about the education of and future outcomes for their child.