Page 30 - SEN116 January-February 2022

Autism
Additional academic support
allows SEN pupils to flourish
Becky Ward recounts how tutoring during lockdown has provided long term benefits for SEN students.
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With the nation celebrating extraordinary feats of physical and mental strength from children with special educational needs during the pandemic, it was the stories slightly closer to home that often got forgotten about. The term ‘extraordinary’ is one that must be considered subjective. While not every child with special educational needs managed to complete a marathon during lockdown, for example, personal achievements and milestones have been crossed that are certainly equally commendable. Every child, whether they have autism, a physical disability, or any other need, has emerged from the pandemic ‘extraordinary’.
Students who have autism and other special educational needs have been disrupted more than most throughout the pandemic. Unpredictable circumstances, sudden changes in routine, and the constant worries attached to health and staying safe all contributed to making it near impossible to cope. Despite this, through personalised, one-to-one, additional academic support, many students with special educational needs not only survived but flourished in the face of adversity. These students overcame extraordinary obstacles and have achieved great things over the last 18 months, and should be celebrated for that effort and success!
It is the inspirational stories of these same children that have brought us together throughout unprecedented times. They have helped us remember that you can achieve extraordinary things through perseverance and resilience, regardless of personal circumstances. Becky Ward, the Education Experience Specialist at Tutor Doctor, believes that COVID has marked a
“Achieve extraordinary things through perseverance and resilience”
significant milestone for SEN students in demonstrating their capabilities, and with how they are understood and supported regardless of the circumstances.
“COVID has been much more than simply being stuck at home for SEN students. Research suggests that the fear and anxiety surrounding the pandemic was most severe for those who have autism spectrum disorder. This massively impacted mental health for many in the autism community as it was difficult for some to separate fact from fiction and many struggled to cope with the constant unknown, as well as drastic changes to daily life. But having made it through the most difficult period of their lives, those who have autism spectrum disorder and students with other SEN have demonstrated their strength to those who might not fully appreciate the impact their needs have on daily life and how that impact has been compounded by the pandemic,” explained Becky.
Lockdowns and restrictions which occurred throughout this period placed huge amounts of pressure on the families of children with SEN. According to a survey conducted by the National Autistic Society (Left Stranded: the impact of Coronavirus on Autistic People and their families in the UK), 40% of people did not feel confident in supporting the needs of their child who has autism, and 50% of people reported their child’s academic performance suffered. In addition, the challenge was further compounded with 65% of children who have autism not engaging with online learning.
Despite this, ongoing additional academic support presented these children with the opportunity to learn in a more controlled, personalised environment. The support provided to children throughout lockdown from tutors helped alleviate the pressures felt by families, while simultaneously giving children the opportunity to achieve incredible things.
■ Every child has emerged from the pandemic ‘extraordinary’.
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