This is a story of adoption, love, and a journey no one fully prepares you for. A lived experience of parenting, waiting, advocating, and holding it all together when systems don’t always see the whole child.

Life with a child with complex needs can be overwhelming, uncertain, and exhausting. This lived experience blog shares the challenges — and the sparkles of joy found along the way.

“The Boy” is 21 and lives with autism, ADHD, severe learning disabilities and sensory processing differences. In this blog, his parent shares the ups and downs of navigating big life transitions — from leaving school and starting college to moving from children’s to adult services. A heartfelt and honest look at the challenges, the progress, and the importance of preparation and support.

Children experience the world through their senses — for some this is smooth, for others overwhelming. Our new blog explores how sensory needs affect learning, daily life, and family routines, with tips on creating supportive environments that help children feel safe, included, and understood.

Becoming foster carers opened our eyes to the reality of SEN. What started as judgment from the sidelines turned into a crash course in ADHD, autism, trauma, and endless battles for support. Even with training and confidence, navigating EHCPs and underfunded schools was overwhelming. It’s tough, exhausting, and emotional — but these children deserve every fight. And yes, we’d do it all again.

Being a parent carer means navigating systems, advocating, and holding on through exhaustion. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. And protecting family time isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. If you’re on this journey, know you’re not alone. Your voice matters. Your child matters. And together, we are stronger.

“Our children deserve more than just support; they deserve aspiration. They deserve lives filled with purpose, hope, and the opportunity to thrive socially, academically, and in good health. Too often, systems and attitudes place invisible limits on what children with additional needs are expected to achieve. But what if we started with the belief that they can? That they will, given the right environment, encouragement, and respect?”

Embracing SEND awareness builds inclusive communities where everyone feels valued

Parenting a child with additional needs is a journey of love, resilience, and growth. Embrace connection, self-care, and advocacy to thrive.

Foster open, respectful communication to build trust, equity, and lasting support for children with additional needs.

True co-production means listening, valuing lived experience, and working together to create real, lasting change.

A strong Parent Carer Forum ensures SEND families' voices are heard.