In light of the Government’s announcement that the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) are conducting an independent evaluation of inclusion in education and early years in the island over the coming weeks, the Parent Carer Forum is urging parents and carers to complete the Government survey to share their views on a number of key issues affecting the inclusion of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in education.

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and for parents of children with special needs, navigating the system to ensure you are doing the right thing for their future can be mentally draining and stressful for both the parent and the child.  One area where this holds particularly true is the transition to adulthood.  How do you prepare them?  Will they ever be ready?  How can you best support them? It isn’t even clear when they become an adult according to our system.  Is it 16, 18, 21, 25?  This parent story highlights some of the issues they are encountering as their child makes the transition.

The theme of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week is  ‘Coming Through it Together,’ which is explored in this personal story by a parent from their deaf child’s experience through education.  The aim of this week is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  If you have similar experiences we would love to hear from you.

As we lead up to Friday, the Forum will be raising awareness. We will be looking at 3 different families, how they are affected and their daily struggles. Each parent’s case study will focus on one of our priority areas. Our case studies aim to help other parents feel that they are not alone and that problems can be halved if shared.

Our second case study focuses on Mental Health and tells the story of an autistic child’s journey from their parent’s viewpoint.

“The shoes are close to falling apart but they are comfy; the world sees a scruffy teenager but we know the reality”

As we lead up to World Autism Awareness Day, the Forum will be raising awareness through 3 family case studies. How they are affected and their daily struggles. Each parent’s case study will focus on one of our priority areas. Our case studies aim to help other parents feel that they are not alone and that problems can be halved if shared.

Our first case study focuses on Education and tells the story of a child’s  journey through school having received a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Condition (or Asperger’s Syndrome), from his mother’s viewpoint.

“The funny thing about having a child with a hidden disability is that it can be a blessing and a curse, depending on the situation”.

Jonathan Langan has been appointed as the new Chair of Parent Carer Forum Jersey to help drive forward the Forum’s priorities for the coming year.