18+ · General guide & practitioner reference

Understanding Neurodiversity & SEND

Plain-English for parents & carers, plus a deeper reference for practitioners.

Please note: This workbook gives general information only. It is not a diagnosis, a clinical assessment, or a substitute for advice from a GP, paediatrician, educational psychologist, or SENCO. If you have concerns about a specific child or young person, speak to a relevant professional.

What neurodivergent means

Neurodivergent describes natural variation in how brains process information, communicate, and experience the world — including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and related conditions. None of these are illnesses to be cured; they're differences that bring both challenges and genuine strengths.

The EHCP process in plain terms

If a child's needs can't be met through a school's own SEN Support, a parent, school, or young person (over 16) can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment from the local authority. If agreed, professionals assess the child's needs across education, health, and social care, and the local authority decides whether to issue an EHCP. If a request is refused, or the contents of a plan are disputed, parents have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Current UK figures (cite before reusing). As of the January 2026 school census, more than 1.8 million pupils in England receive provision through SEN Support or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 538,547 pupils hold an EHCP (6.0% of all pupils), and 1.32 million pupils receive SEN Support (14.8% of all pupils). Autism remains the most common primary need among pupils with an EHCP, at 33.5%.

Source: Department for Education, Special Educational Needs in England, Explore Education Statistics, January 2026 release. Re-check figures against the current release before reuse — this dataset updates annually.

Common myths worth retiring

"Autistic children don't like animals" — false; animal-assisted approaches are used specifically because many autistic and anxious young people respond well to structured animal contact.
"ADHD is just bad behaviour" — false; it's a difference in executive function, not a discipline issue.
"An EHCP means a child can't attend mainstream school" — false; most EHCPs support pupils in mainstream settings.

Where to get help

A GP or school SENCO is the right first point of contact for a specific concern. For process and rights questions once a request or plan is underway, IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) and your local authority's SENDIASS (SEND Information, Advice and Support Service) both provide free, impartial guidance.

EHCP process mechanics

Statutory timescales apply throughout the assessment process, and local authorities can be legally challenged for delay as well as for a refusal to assess. Once a plan is issued, provision named in Section F is a legal entitlement, not an aspiration — a resourcing gap doesn't remove the duty to deliver what's named in the plan.

SEND Tribunal basics

The First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) hears appeals against a local authority's decision not to assess, not to issue a plan, or against the contents of Sections B, F, and I of an issued plan. Appeals must generally be lodged within two months of the local authority's decision, or one month after a mandatory mediation certificate is issued, whichever is later.

Multi-agency working

Effective support for a neurodivergent young person typically draws on education (school/SENCO), health (paediatrician, CAMHS, SLT, OT), and social care, alongside the family. Practitioners in animal-assisted or AP settings should expect to feed observations into this wider picture, not operate in isolation from it.

Practitioner case study

📋 For discussion

A 17-year-old on a Level 3 placement is undertaking a supervised animal-assisted session with a younger pupil who has an EHCP naming sensory regulation support as an outcome. Consider: what background information should the placement student receive before the session? Who is responsible for briefing them? What should happen if the pupil becomes distressed mid-session?

Glossary

Term	What it means
EHCP	A legal plan for children/young people (0–25) with complex needs, covering education, health, and social care.
SEND Tribunal	The First-tier Tribunal (SEND) — hears appeals against local authority SEND decisions.
SENDIASS	SEND Information, Advice and Support Service — free, impartial local authority-funded guidance for families.
IPSEA	Independent Provider of Special Education Advice — a national charity offering free legal guidance on SEND rights.
Section F	The part of an EHCP setting out the special educational provision required — a legal entitlement once issued.
CAMHS	Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

✓ Check your understanding