Our son, has shown symptoms of Autistic  Spectrum Disorder (ASD), from the age of 6 months old.

However from beginning his school life and despite our efforts for this to be assessed (G.P believed the educational setting to be responsible for a referral for this) but due to lack of resources and slipping through age barriers for assesment, he has faced challenges throughout his educational journey due to inadequate support in Educational establishments. Despite our continuous efforts to seek help, we were constantly met with barriers, as there was only one Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher for an entire school. Now at the age of 12, he is being home-educated, as he was unable to continue life in mainstream school, yet we are still struggling to receive the assistance he desperately needs. Our G.P is now pushing for us to get the help we so desperately need, but this is unfortunately an ongoing problem for many parents across the nation.

We do appreciate that SEN services are so overrun with children that need help but at the same time, why should our children not be given that support because there is a lack of resources? So my point here is, if teachers were trained in this field then there would be more recognition of children needing help. More resources available meaning less children would slip through the cracks of the system, and hopefully recieve support to recognise and manage these conditions, and mental health related to them.

Currently, we are awaiting an assesment, but unfortunately, the lack of early intervention has already taken a toll on his mental health. This situation illustrates a broader issue in our education system: the insufficient training of teachers in recognizing and supporting children with special educational needs. The absence of adequate education for teachers on SEN matters results in children being misunderstood and mislabeled as having behavioral issues, rather than acknowledging their unique challenges.

In classrooms filled with diverse learners, it is unrealistic to expect all students to learn in the same way. Each child has distinct needs, and without proper training, teachers cannot effectively identify and support those with special educational requirements. This often leaves children undiagnosed and without the necessary support, impacting their mental health and future prospects as adults.

According to the National Autistic Society, over 70% of children with autism have mental health issues. This statistic underscores the critical need for early identification and intervention. Proper training for teachers could bridge this gap, ensuring that students receive the help they need in a timely manner, ultimately reducing the risk of mental health problems later in life.

We urge the Department for Education to mandate Special Educational Needs training for all teachers. By equipping educators with the skills to recognize and address the needs of every student, we can foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This will not only benefit students with challenges but enrich the learning experience of all children.

Please sign this petition to advocate for a change that can make a profound difference in the lives of many children and their families.