UBC Press Surviving the Special Educational Needs System book Paperback

Some children's 'difficulties' do not present in an obvious way, which makes diagnosis problematic, and access to help unforthcoming. This was the experience of Sandy Row, who, after a decade of misdiagnoses and unsatisfactory explanations for her children's struggle in mainstream school, realised that her children had special educational needs (SEN) and began her long quest for help from the SEN system.Row's testimony illustrates how the special educational needs system works and empowers other parents to demand help for their children who have special educational needs that require attention. This frank and practical book challenges the theoretical and often impenetrable established literature on SEN, and instead provides an accessible and effective resource for those needing advice and answers about their rights to services and help for their children.

Sandy Row lives with her husband and four adopted children, three of whom are autistic, and one of whom is dyslexic. They have placed their children in special needs colleges and schools and finally feel hopeful about their futures, following years of fighting for accurate diagnoses and accessing funding for help and placements.