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 / Attention Deficit Disorder |
| ASD / ASC | Autism Spectrum Disorder / Autism Spectrum Conditions |
| CAMHS | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services |
| 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 Defiant 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 Coordinator |
| SFP | School Focused Plan |
| SpLD | Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia and 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 with SEND. Click each box to learn more.
Stockport’s Local Offer
The Stockport Local Offer provides advice, information and services to young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
SENDIASS
Stockport Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
The Together Trust offer SENDIASS – free, confidential and impartial support to parents and carers of young people aged between 0 and 25 in Stockport who have or may have SEND.
Young people can access the service in their own right or with the support of their parents or carers.
PACTs (formerly PIPS)
Parents and Carers Together Stockport (PACTS) is Stockport’s official local parent carer forum run by parents for parents, carers and family members who have a young person between the ages of 0-25 years with SEND.
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.
Family Support & Guidance
Our Family Support and Guidance page brings together a wide range of resources to help parents and carers support their child’s wellbeing, learning, and development. It includes practical advice on parenting, mental health and emotional wellbeing, safeguarding, home education, and more.