Special Needs Jungle Clears the Way for Parents By Hayley Newman (UK, blogger, mum of 2, author, speaker, inclusion ambassador at Downs Side Up, linktr. ee/downssideup )
Founded in 2008 as a way to support parents and educators as they navigate the often stressful and daunting mazes through the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) world, Special Needs Jungle (SNJ) has now become the UK’s largest and most respected SEND platform.
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anonymously process information at whatever time of day ormer journalist, author, and Special Educational or night I needed it without fear of being judged. Needs (SEN) parent Tania Tirraoro (mum of two Immediately, I tapped into an incredible online young adults with autism, ADHD and Ehlers-Danlos world inhabited by passionate individuals. Tania Tirraoro syndrome, she herself has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Renata Blower were among the first two special needs is a wheelchair user and was diagnosed as autistic at the bloggers whose words lifted and carried me. SNJ’s help age of forty-six) first founded Special Needs Jungle in proved invaluable, for example, when I had to decide what 2008. a specialist school could offer Natty over a mainstream Together with co-director Renata Blower (mum to school. They also were a much-needed lifeline during the Dominic, who has an undiagnosed neuromuscular condition which means he is physically disabled and has complex dreaded Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process! When I find myself out of my depth, rendered health needs; Lilia, who has a mild version of the neuroemotional and overwhelmed by the system, Special Needs muscular condition, as does Elliot, who also has high-funcJungle is my go-to point of reference, from tioning autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and the daily challenges to the bigger all-con“I firmly believe the sensory issues), they tirelessly and selflessly bring a rare mix of clout, integrity, weakest among us should suming issues. Always topical and trusted, these and credibility to this one-stop shop of be supported and not powerhouses don’t shy away from polariscurrent information so that children and vilified, victimised or ing or taboo subjects. Their March exposé young people achieve better outcomes. abandoned.” on Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), Their determination has enabled them to advise at a high level in Government: They are both which they published along with access to a free webinar to help parents protect themselves from false allegations, is a on the SEND Ministerial Group, SEND Ministerial Roundcase in point. table Group, and Tania is on the Ofsted SEND Stakeholders Tanya says: “I firmly believe the weakest among us Group. should be supported and not vilified, victimised or abanSpecial Needs Jungle has made a difference for doned.” countless families. The site is packed with trusted, parentled information, accessible resources, personal stories, and informed opinion pieces. They cover topics that include dis- Join the Special Needs Jungle Family The SNJ team have expanded over the years to ability, learning disability, rare diseases, mental health, and autism. They aim to inform, educate, and empower families include a highly respected team of contributors with legal, medical, and educational backgrounds, such as Indepento self-advocate confidently so that children and young dent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) expert people get the help they need to live the best life they can. Marguerite Hayes and Matt Keer, dad of two deaf children SNJ gets an incredible and very telling traffic of 250,000 who has bitter experience of the tribunal system. unique visits per month. They also offer training and a consultancy service Every parent’s support network is unique. But in and are able to advise on the complex EHCP process and the early days, I withdrew. As much as I wanted to know legal questions. everything I could about Natty’s condition and the best possible ways to support her, I couldn’t bring myself to meet other parents or contact our local support group. Instead, I preferred to read everything I could get my hands on, from books and leaflets to websites. This way, I could 48
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