9th September 2023 • My Family Our Needs

Supporting the well-being of a child with special educational needs (SEN) requires a thoughtful and tailored approach for everyone connected to the child.

Sema Ocakoglu at Bright Heart shares specific strategies and tips for parents to support their child’s well-being and prevent suicidal thoughts this Suicide Prevention Day 2023.

We all must remember that every child with SEN is unique. Support is needed to be tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and abilities.

Supporting a child with SEN is an ongoing journey that may have its challenges, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, provide your child with love, acceptance, and the tools they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

How They Experience Mental Illness and Suicidal Thoughts

According to the information shared by MHFA England, one in ten young people experiences a mental health issue at any given time. Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 5–19.

In an average group of 30 Fifteen year olds:

• Seven are likely to have been bullied.
• Six may be self-harming.
• One could have experienced the death of a parent.

Record numbers of young people are struggling. Key figures in a young person’s life—parents, family members, teachers, tutors, carers, and youth workers—can often spot when a young person is struggling but may not know how best to help.

Children with special educational needs (SEN) can experience mental health illnesses differently from neurotypical children due to the unique challenges and characteristics associated with their conditions. It’s important to note that experiences can vary widely depending on the specific type and severity of SEN.

They may have:

• Communication challenges,
• Heightened sensory sensitivities.
• Difficulties recognising and expressing their emotions,
• Social communication difficulties cause social isolation, loneliness and depression.
• Vulnerability to bullying and teasing.

Parents, as well as other adults connected to the children, need to be vigilant in monitoring the children with SEN for signs of mental illness. These signs can be unexplained and significant changes in behaviour, such as agitation or self-injurious behaviour, sleep disturbances, a decline in academic performance or increased resistance to school-related activities, physical symptoms (such as physical complaints or headaches), changes in eating habits, depression or anxiety symptoms, or a loss of interest.

Early intervention and appropriate support are crucial for improving their mental well-being. Careful observation of your child’s behaviour and emotional state can lead you to a proactive approach and also make a significant difference in your child’s mental health journey.

How Parents Can Reach Out and Support Their Children

As an SEN specialist working with children and youngsters with special educational needs, I would like to offer suggestions that may be helpful for parents of a child with SEN who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. It’s essential to seek professional guidance in such situations, but here are some considerations from my experience:

• Open Dialogue: Maintain open and honest communication with your child. Create a safe space where they can express their feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. Regularly check in with them about their emotions and experiences. Suicide is difficult to talk about, but openly talking about suicidal thoughts can save a life. Discussing it does not put thoughts into someone’s head – but it does offer them the opportunity to reach out for help and support.

• Know the signs: Be aware of the warning signs of depression and suicide, which can manifest differently in children with SEN. Look for changes in behaviour, withdrawal from activities, and significant shifts in mood.

• Professional Support: Ensure your child has access to mental health professionals who are experienced in working with children with SEN. Seek guidance from psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists who can provide tailored support.

• Individualised Education Plan (IEP): If your child is in a special education programme, collaborate with teachers and school staff to ensure that their IEP addresses not only their academic needs but also their emotional and social well-being.

• Bullying Prevention: Advocate for a safe and inclusive school environment. Address any issues related to bullying or discrimination promptly, as children with SEN are often more vulnerable to such experiences.

• Build Resilience: Encourage activities that build your child’s self-esteem and resilience, such as participating in sports, art, or hobbies. These activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and social interaction. Sometimes, it helps to be a buddy for your child in youth activities so they can feel closer and more open to sharing their feelings and concerns with you.

• Peer Support: Foster connections with peers who are understanding and supportive. Encourage your child to engage in social activities or join clubs where they can make friends who share similar interests.

• Promote Independence: Help your child develop life skills and independence, even if they have significant challenges. Building a sense of self-worth and accomplishment can be protective against suicidal thoughts.

• Stress Management: Teach your child stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga, to help them cope with anxiety or frustration.

• Self-Care: Model self-care practices for your child. Demonstrating how to manage stress and prioritise mental health can be a powerful example for them. Take care of yourself too. Caring for a child with SEN and dealing with their mental health challenges can be emotionally draining. Seek your support and self-care to stay strong for your child.

• Continued Therapy: Ensure that your child continues with therapy and treatment as recommended by their mental health professionals. Consistency is crucial. If your child is on medication, ensure they are taking it as prescribed and discuss any concerns or side effects with their healthcare provider.

• Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest services and resources related to mental health and SEN in your area. Attend workshops, conferences, or support groups to connect with other parents and experts in the field. I will be sharing a couple of services you can reach out to talk about and be supported in your concerns.

• Crisis Plan: Develop a crisis plan in collaboration with your child’s mental health professionals. Ensure you know what steps to take in case of an emergency or if your child expresses suicidal thoughts.

• Promote a Sense of Belonging: Help your child find communities or organisations that align with their interests or passions. A sense of belonging can provide a protective factor against suicide.

• Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Recognise their strengths and progress, reinforcing their sense of self-worth.

World Suicide Prevention Day serves as a reminder to prioritise mental health and promote suicide awareness and prevention. This day is an opportunity to work towards a world where every child, including those with SEN, can thrive mentally and emotionally.

We, as SEN specialists, highly recommend mental health awareness first aid courses for parents who are concerned with these issues. They will teach you the skills and confidence to spot the signs of mental health issues in a young person, offer first aid, and guide them towards the support they need. In doing so, you can speed up a young person’s recovery and stop a mental health issue from getting worse.

But more than that, these courses aim to give you the information and skills to look after your mental health so that you can set an example for young people.

Please remember that you are not alone in this journey. Reach out to professionals, support groups, and organisations that specialise in helping families with SEN children facing mental health challenges. Your child’s well-being is a top priority, and seeking professional help is essential in these situations.

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