The struggle to diagnose correctly is real!
You may be a parent or caregiver wondering "Is there a distinction between a mental health issue and special education needs?" or "What does my child need to feel happy and to thrive at school?"
There is a distinction and mental illnesses can manifest in children with special education requirements, as much, if not more often than neuro-typical children. People misinterpret, neglect or entirely miss the ever-present link between mental health and special education needs and this could be leading to thousands of children not receiving the support they so desperately need.
In this article, I'll clarify the distinction between mental health difficulties and special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in children and also spread awareness of the reasons why both parents and teachers should be concerned.
Let's first clarify what "special education needs" are.
What are special educational needs (SEND)?
The term "special educational needs and disabilities" (SEND) is a legal expression that is used to define those with barriers or difficulties in learning or who have recognised disabilities. The limitations faced by those with SEND make it more challenging for them to learn at the same pace as their peers.
Children without SEND, I have noticed, may not need the extra help to handle their affairs, can mostly regulate their behaviours and can navigate learning journeys comfortably. However, a child with a special educational need or disability (SEND) may require assistance with:
Understanding and processing information
Expressing themselves
Making friends and interacting with people
Cognitive application - school work, reading, writing, etc.
What are mental health issues?
Mental health illness refers to significant changes in the pattern in which an individual (in this case, a child) behaves, learns or deals with their emotions.
A persistent change in a behaviour pattern that affects their relationship with others, school and play activities can lead to a mental disorder.
I've had people ask me, "Why is it necessary to pay attention to the mental health of my child? As long as they are learning, that's the main thing, surely?" I always say that a mentally healthy child is an all-around healthy child. If a child is thriving academically but socially or emotionally they are hampered with anxiety or feel demoralised through comparing themselves to their peers, then this is a real concern.
Additionally, there are certain communities where there is a stigma around mental health and some parents are cautious about investigating if their child had a SEND through fear of them being considered to have a mental illness - and the taboo nature of this in their social circles.
In my experience, I have noticed that a child might have all he wants physically, yet he still feels sadness, anxiety or fear that can automatically disrupt other aspects of his life. This is even more prevalent in those with SEND, so it is critical that both learning and mental health difficulties are investigated to enable children to have the best life chances.
A mentally unwell child will potentially not take pleasure from eating, playing or enjoying other activities they once derived pleasure from. The bottom line here; mental health is as important as physical health. In children with special education needs, this is no different. In fact, their potential to misunderstand their own emotions and feelings and how to interpret these is the exact reason why those with SEND need to have their mental health consistently reviewed.
SEND and poor mental health - the connection.
In England, 15.5% of children and young people have SEND (special education needs and disabilities). Moreover, research shows that approximately 28-40% of people with learning challenges have mental health problems. Compared to the approximately 17% of neuro-typical children diagnosed with a mental health issue (as of 2020), this is both astounding and heart-breaking.
Numbers don't lie, and with the pandemic outbreak, the numbers keep soaring. Those with SEND already have barriers to conquer every day, this additional struggle is real and needs to be recognised.
In my experience as a teacher and youth mentor, I have realised that detecting signs of mental illness in children with special needs might be a little challenging and takes a longer time. Yet, detection is possible and it's essential. Look out for signs like:
Depression
Although prevalent among teenagers and adults, depression can be experienced by young children, especially those with SEND.
Since they are young children, the signs of depression might show as:
firm refusal to go to school
increased tearfulness
Withdrawal from people
Unusual moodiness and sometimes violent outbursts
Anxiety
Kids with SEND already feel anxious guys! Primarily, because of the challenges they experience in comparison with their colleagues and the truly hellish nature of comparison itself nowadays - compounded by social media .
However, when anxious feelings are intense and interfere with their behaviour towards school, people, and even eating and sleeping habits, we ALL need to pay closer attention.
It is so difficult when parents and other caregivers overlook the importance of mental health in children, especially those with or requiring potential investigation for a special educational need. Not addressing it, giving them ways to cope with actually giving them their entitlement to the appropriate interventional care and provision is simply not good enough. What others may think is really irrelevant!
Still, the question remains, "How can we help children with special education needs develop better mental health?" My next article in this series will answer this question, with practical strategies for both at home and in the classroom.
Thanks for reading!
Lucy x