Supporting aspirations – or not? Recent reforms on equality, the green paper on Special Educational Needs and the potential of a neurodiversity spectrum statement

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply critical legal analysis to laws, policies and reforms focused on special educational needs (SEN) and equality in England and to suggest a Neurodiversity spectrum statement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews current legal and policy initiatives in SEN, together with recent reforms in equality law.

Findings

While past and current policies may have laudable aims, tensions such as a lack of integration of education, health and social services have had prejudicial outcomes for children with SEN, their families/carers, and the professionals involved.

Originality/value

Legal reforms promise to remedy some problems, but must be underpinned by adequate resourcing, appeal procedures, and remedies which foster the enforcement of legal duties. Some resources for families with children with SEN are noted.

Citation

Mackenzie, R., Watts, J. and Howe, L. (2012), "Supporting aspirations – or not? Recent reforms on equality, the green paper on Special Educational Needs and the potential of a neurodiversity spectrum statement", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 36-48. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595471211207138