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.

Stockport's Local Offer

The Stockport Local Offer provides advice, information and services to young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) and their families.

Visit the SEND Local offer website

SENDIASS

Stockport Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

The Together Trust offer SENDIASS – free, confidential and impartialsupport 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.

Visit the SENDIASS website

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. 

Visit the PACTS 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. 

Visit the BDA website

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.

Visit the National Autistic Society’s website

Counselling Directory for ADHD

The Counselling Directory provides a wealth of information about ADHD, practical advice, and access to qualified and insured counsellors who are members of professional bodies.
 
The directory also highlights organisations offering free or low-cost counselling options, ensuring support is accessible to everyone.
 
As a platform referenced by the NHS and Mind, and holding the PIF TICK for trusted information, they are committed to providing reliable resources for individuals and families navigating ADHD.

Visit the Counselling Directory’s ADHD webpage

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. 

Visit the SEMH website