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Areas of special educational need / disability

Camden local offer

Below you will find links to information on specific conditions.

You can also visit the Contact a Family page where you will be able to find out up to date comprehensive information about many different diagnoses of disabilities and different conditions. 

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What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder which makes children hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive. 

Common symptoms of ADHD include:

  • A short attention span or being easily distracted

  • Restlessness, constant fidgeting or over-activity

  • Being impulsive

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What is autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a person relates to and communicates with other people, as well as how they make sense of the world around them.

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles. The condition can occur if the brain develops abnormally or is damaged before, during or shortly after birth.

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What is being deaf or hard of hearing?

Hearing loss, being hard of hearing or deaf means a partial or total inability to hear. General signs of hearing loss can include:-

  • In young children, lack of response to noises

  • Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say

  • Asking people to repeat themselves

  • Listening to music or watching television with the volume turned up high

To find out more and for further information and support click here.

What is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs by chance. It typically causes some level of learning disability and a characteristic range of physical features.

Most babies born with Down syndrome are diagnosed with the condition after birth, and are likely to have:-

  • Reduced muscle tone leading to floppiness (hypotonia)

  • Eyes that slant upwards and outwards

  • Their palm may have only one crease across it (palmar crease)

  • Below average weight and length at birth

To find out more and for further information and support click here.

What is dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD) is a developmental disorder which affects physical coordination. People with dyspraxia have poor fine and/or gross motor skills, compared to their general level of intelligence. This can be seen in tasks such as:-

  • Handwriting and drawing

  • Learning to dress

  • Riding a bicycle

  • Sports and games

  • Driving

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What is global developmental delay?

Global Developmental Delay is the general term used to describe the condition in which children are significantly delayed in all areas of development.

Babies and children usually develop certain skills and abilities in a fairly predictable order and at fairly predictable ages. Whilst all children grow at slightly different rates, the difference for children with Global Developmental Delay is that they often do not develop these skills until a much later age than would be expected. 

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What are social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs?

Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs are a type of special educational need in which children/young people have severe difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour. They often show inappropriate responses and feelings to situations.

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What are specific learning difficulties (literacy difficulties, including dyslexia, and difficulties with maths)?

Some people have a particular difficulty in acquiring literacy skills (the ability to read, write and spell) so they can find it very difficult to read, write and spell accurately and fluently at the level expected for their age.

Some people have difficulty acquiring mathematical skills and some people have difficulty with both literacy and mathematics.

These are sometimes collectively referred to as ‘specific learning difficulties’ or SpLD.

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

What is visual impairment?

Visual impairment means that a person has sight loss that cannot be fully corrected using glasses or contact lenses. This occurs because one or more parts of the eye or brain that are needed to process images become diseased or damaged, causing severe or total loss of vision.

To find out more and for further information about support click here.

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