I am so stressed with being a SEN Parent

loz8509
loz8509 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited April 30 in Families and carers

I am currently a single parent to 2 sen children aged 12 and 4. My partner left just before Christmas. My life is incredibly stressful and doing it alone now is even harder. Both my children are on the ASD AND ADHD pathway. My eldest has attempted suicide, has school anxiety and I have to collect her everyday...my youngest can't last a day in nursery without me having to collect him. Everyday I get a phonecal from either setting. My son doesn't sleep I have been awake since 1am and that's most days. My mum tries to help but my sons needs are so complex he doesn't like anyone else caring for him especially overnight. I'm at my wits end, im emotionally numb and I'm exhausted I don't even know how to get help…can anyone suggest anything please

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  • Bluebell21
    Bluebell21 Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 11,603 Championing

    Hi @loz8509 Welcome to the Community. I am so sorry everything is so difficult for you at the moment.

    IPSEA might be able to help you.

    https://www.ipsea.org.uk

    or

    https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

    Please take care of yourself.

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 1,657 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @loz8509 and a warm welcome to the community😊

    It sounds like you are dealing with an awful lot by yourself so it is very understandable why you are feeling emotionally numb and exhausted.

    I’m so sorry to hear about your eldest, that must have been so terrifying. How is she doing now? Is she under CAMHS?

    If she’s not already under them, then your GP or school SENCO should refer her immediately especially if the attempt was recent. If she is under them, tell them about the recent suicidal thoughts/actions and ask for a reassessment of risk and an updated crisis plan.

    Is your daughter getting any support in school the moment?

    Your son may qualify for SEN Early Years Inclusion support from your local authority. Is he getting any support in nursery at the moment? Has there been any talks of any support he may need in the future so as an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and applying for an EHCP needs assessment?

    There is also Cerebra Sleep Service which is a free sleep service for disabled children who have difficulties with sleep. You can refer yourself to them and they will work with you to create a tailored sleep plan that is purely based on your son and your needs.

    I know you mentioned your mum but I am wondering if you have other support for yourself?

    From what you have described it sounds like you may benefit from a carer's assessment to see if there is any additional support you may be able to access for yourself. It may also be helpful to have a chat with your GP about how you feeling and the things you are dealing with to see if they are able to offer support too.

    It also sounds like you may benefit from a Child In Need assessment. I know this may sound scary but it can often open doors to further support and help for your family. It is also really common for families with disabled children to be referred for one of these assessments as it is a way to get help and support from your local authority.

    I am also going to send an email over to you shortly with some more information, please look out for it.

    I hope this was helpful, please reach out if you would like further support or have additional questions☺️

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