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SEND Support Needs Evolving, Not Disappearing: Report

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. port-needs-evolving-not-disappearing-report.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 6:36 GMT by The Irish News
      Locales: Northern Ireland, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 23rd, 2026 - A new report from the National Autistic Society (NAS) is forecasting a decrease in the number of children requiring the highest level of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support starting in 2030. While seemingly positive, this projection has ignited a debate amongst charity leaders and advocates, who are warning that a misinterpretation of the data could lead to critical underfunding of vital SEND services.

The report, published today, details how demographic shifts combined with evolving diagnostic practices are expected to contribute to a reduction in the cohort needing the most intensive support. This is primarily attributed to the birth rates observed during the late 1990s and early 2000s, often referred to as a 'baby boom' period. As this generation progresses through the education system, the overall number of children reaching school age, and therefore potentially identified with high-level SEND needs, is naturally decreasing.

However, the NAS is emphatic that this decrease does not signify a reduction in the overall need for SEND support. Instead, the organization predicts a shift in the type of support required. They foresee a continued demand for services addressing a range of needs, though potentially fewer children will require the very highest, most resource-intensive levels of intervention. The report argues that failing to acknowledge this nuanced change could create a dangerous situation where policymakers reduce investment, assuming an overall lessening of SEND prevalence.

"It's crucial to understand that SEND needs aren't simply disappearing; they are evolving," explains Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society. "While the peak demand fuelled by a larger cohort is projected to ease after 2030, many children will still require tailored support throughout their education. A proactive, long-term strategy is essential to ensure these needs are met effectively."

The report stresses the importance of collaborative planning between the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities. A coordinated approach, they argue, is necessary to accurately forecast changing demands and allocate resources appropriately. This planning should go beyond simply adjusting budgets based on headline numbers; it requires a comprehensive understanding of the shifting landscape of SEND requirements.

A key recommendation within the report is a significant increase in investment in early intervention services. The NAS highlights that providing support at the earliest stages of a child's development can often prevent the need for more intensive interventions later on. This proactive approach not only improves outcomes for children but also represents a more cost-effective use of resources in the long term. Investing in programs that support families and provide early identification of potential SEND needs can significantly reduce the number of children requiring the highest levels of support. This includes expanding access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and specialist teaching for pre-school children.

The report also touches upon the growing understanding and refinement of diagnostic criteria for conditions like autism and ADHD. Changes in diagnostic practices mean that children who might not have been identified with SEND in the past are now receiving appropriate diagnoses and support. While this is a positive development, it also means that data from previous years may not be directly comparable to current figures, further complicating accurate forecasting. The report emphasizes the need for ongoing research and monitoring to track the evolving needs of children with SEND and to ensure that support services remain relevant and effective.

Advocates are worried that a focus solely on the projected decrease in high-level SEND support could distract from the persistent challenges faced by families in accessing appropriate services. Concerns remain regarding lengthy waiting lists for assessments, a shortage of specialist teachers and therapists, and a postcode lottery in the quality of SEND provision across different local authorities. These existing issues, combined with the potential for reduced investment based on a misinterpreted forecast, could leave many vulnerable children without the support they desperately need. The NAS urges the government to prioritize the well-being of all children with SEND and to ensure that adequate funding and resources are available to meet their evolving needs, even as demographic patterns shift.