Not everyone is Back to School: Supporting neurodivergent children through their educational journey
Guest blog by bibic
For many families, this time of the year means shopping for new school uniforms, stationary and getting back into familiar routines to prepare for the new term ahead.
However, for some children and young people, going back to school after the summer holidays isn’t quite so simple. For individuals with special educational needs (SEN), including those with ADHD, autism or sensory processing differences, the transition can be filled with anxiety and challenges.
Changes in routine can be incredibly stressful and upsetting for some, while others find busy school environments and schedules overwhelming. In fact, 117,000 children were missing from education at any time in 2022/23 and 35% of pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are classed as being persistently absent.
This was the focus of our Not Everyone Is Back to School campaign, which was run in partnership with JCDecaux. Using donated advertising space on billboards on roadsides and train stations across the South and South West, the campaign highlighted that not every young person is able to successfully transition back to school after the holidays.
We wanted to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in accessing education and the right support in the United Kingdom, and the campaign was deliberately run after the August/September back to school campaigns you would see in shops selling school supplies.
Not everyone’s educational journey is the same
Each child’s educational journey is different, especially when it comes to preferences around various learning styles and support needed.
For some, concentration when reading can be a challenge, making it harder to access the same books and learning materials as their peers. So alternative ways to engage with texts and learning can make a real difference.
Audiobooks, for example, are an exciting, immersive and inclusive way to learn, supporting pupils to improve their reading ability while helping to build a love of stories. This accessibly breaks down barriers for individuals where traditional books might otherwise feel inaccessible.
Audiobooks won't be the right solution for every child, but they're a great example of a small change which is achievable and can make a big difference.
Looking beyond 'back to school'
The phrase "back to school" can make it sound as though every child follows the same path throughout their early life. In reality, educational journeys can and do look very different.
The reality is the return to school can exclude many neurodivergent or disabled children who find traditional school environments or educational systems a barrier.
Some children may need additional support from parents and teachers to return after the holidays, others may need a gradual transition, or alternative arrangements.
That might mean finding a different way to access a book or simply taking the time to understand their individual strengths and challenges.
Because not everyone is back to school in September - and recognising that is an important step towards making education more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Find out more
bibic is a national charity supporting children, young people and adults with SEND across the UK. Its holistic assessments and bespoke strategy programmes are available in person at its National Therapy Centre in Somerset or digitally across the UK. To find out more about bibic and the support available for families, visit bibic.org.uk.
You can also listen to The SENsational Life with bibic podcast, which shares expert insights, lived experiences and practical advice for neurodivergent individuals, families and professionals.
And if reading a printed book is a barrier for you or someone you support, Listening Books provides access to thousands of audiobooks for people whose illness, disability, mental health condition or learning difficulty affects their ability to read or hold a book. Find out more about memberships for children and teens here.
