The Story Behind Mother SEN

Hi, I’m Clare.

I’m a mum to two incredible children with additional needs.

My son has severe autism, a rare genetic condition, developmental disabilities and complex additional needs. My daughter is autistic, has ADHD and experiences significant anxiety around education and daily life.

Like many SEND parents, I never imagined how much of my life would become appointments, reports, meetings, assessments, advocacy and paperwork. Nor did I realise how isolating it could sometimes feel.

Over the years, I have spent countless hours researching, attending appointments, navigating education systems and learning how to advocate for my children when their needs were not fully understood.

What began as simply trying to do my best for my children slowly became something much bigger.

I found myself learning a whole new language of EHCPs, annual reviews, assessments, tribunal hearings, referrals and reports. I became the organiser, researcher, note-taker, advocate and sometimes the only voice my children had in rooms full of professionals.

Alongside the practical challenges came something I wasn’t prepared for, the invisible mental load.

The constant planning.

The worrying.

The paperwork.

The emails.

The appointments.

The responsibility of holding everything together while still trying to simply be a parent.

For a long time, I felt as though I was carrying these experiences alone.

But the more I spoke to other SEND parents, the more I realised how many of us were living similar realities.

Different children.

Different diagnoses.

Different journeys.

Yet so many of the same emotions.

The exhaustion.

The uncertainty.

The frustration.

The fierce love we have for our children.

Mother SEN was created from that understanding.

Not because I have all the answers.

Not because I am an expert.

But because I know how powerful it can be to feel seen, understood and less alone.

This space is for honest conversations about SEND parenting, advocacy, wellbeing and the realities that often happen behind closed doors.

You’ll find personal reflections, practical support, advocacy experiences and reminders that perfection isn’t required.

Just showing up is enough.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of SEND parenting, I hope Mother SEN becomes a place where you can pause for a moment and remember:

You are not alone.

With love,

Clare 🤍

Founder of Mother SEN