SEND

Social Emotional and Mental Health

Common diagnosis and terms

Students with 'Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties, may struggle to get formal diagnosis, where they do, students who struggle socially, are often linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder or may have Attachment Difficulties linked to early trauma.

Students with difficult pasts often struggle with emotional and mental health difficulties. However any students regardless of background can equally present with difficulties. Other common diagnosis linked to mental health are Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Bipolar or Hypervigilance.

Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsions and Self-harm are also common terms used in adolescent mental health- however these tends to be a symptom of a deeper pattern of mental health such as depression or anxiety. They also tend to focus around controlling behaviours which form what has been described as a release of pressure.

Terms associated with this area of SEND with external links: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Difficulty, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Difficulties, Oppositional Defiance Disorder Bipolar or Attachment and or Hypervigilance.

Typical areas requiring additional teacher support in the classroom

(Click on the links to get more tips and advice in each area)

Social: Forming and maintaining positive relationships, conforming to social norms etc.

Emotional: Showing awareness of own feelings and that of others, managing feelings, self-esteem, confidence etc.

Mental Health: Shows adaptability/resilience in various school situations. Is able to use positive self -talk as an effective means of regulating behaviour. Forms typical attachments to peers and staff.