What is SEND?
Communication and interaction
Communication and Interaction is one of the four broad areas of need identified in the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
This includes difficulties with speech and language as well as social communication and interaction difficulties or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Speech and language difficulties may include:
- receptive language (understanding)
- expressive language (speaking)
- intelligibility
- attention and listening
- social development
- interaction and play
ASC or social communication and interaction difficulties may include:
- social communication
- social interaction
- social imagination
- flexibility
- sensory processing
- emotional understanding
- self awareness
In the SEND code of practice it says:
6.28
Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.
6.29
Children and young people with ASD, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination, which can impact on how they relate to others.
Diagnosis
If you think that your child may have Autistic Spectrum Condition you can ask your GP to refer you for diagnosis.
You do not need a diagnosis for your child to receive the support they need so we always advise that you also talk to your child's educational setting.