Glossary & Resources
Glossary
The glossary below breaks down key terms and phrases you may come across when talking about SEND in school. Click the box below to expand and view the full list of terms.
Glossary of Terms
| ADHD / ADD | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
| ASD / ASC | Autism Spectrum Disorder / Autism Spectrum Condition |
| CAMHS | Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service |
| EHCP | Education, Health and Care Plan |
| EP | Educational Psychologist |
| EWO | Education Welfare Officer |
| HI | Hearing Impairment |
| IASS | Information, Advice and Support Services |
| LSA | Learning Support Assistant |
| ODD | Oppositional Defiance Disorder |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| PDA | Pathological Demand Avoidance |
| SALT | Speech and Language Therapy |
| SEMH | Social Emotional and Mental Health |
| SEND | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities |
| SENDCo | Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator |
| SFP | School Focused Plan |
| SpLD | Specific Learning Difficuluties (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia) |
| SSS | Sensory Support Service |
| VI | Visual Impairment |
Useful Resources for Parents & Carers
Below is a list of local and national organisations that provide support, guidance and information for families of children and young people with SEND. Click each box to learn more.
Manchester's Local Offer
The Manchester Local Offer provides advice, information and services to young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
SENDIASS – Information, Advice & Support Manchester (IASM)
Parents / carers and young people who want individual, impartial advice on any issues relating to SEND can contact Information, Advice and Support Manchester (IASM).
They have a support line with a 24 hour answerphone:
0161 209 8356
You can email:
[email protected] or [email protected]
If you’d prefer to speak to them face to face, IASM attend the SEND Local Offer Drop Ins every month.
Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF)
MPCF is a volunteer parent group which is funded by the Department for Education and works in partnership with Manchester City Council.
They work to represent the voice of parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. They invite all Manchester parents/carers to join the forum – it is free to become a member and you can sign up on their website.
British Dyslexia Association
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is the voice of dyslexic people. They aim to create a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.
The BDA website provides lots of useful information and advice about Dyslexia.
National Autistic Society
This is the UK’s leading charity for people who have autism and their families.
They provide support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
Counselling Directory for ADHD
SEMH
SEMH is a website designed to bring education staff together on the topic of SEMH and explore the best methods to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.