With many processes involved with special educational needs acronyms can be heavily used; this can make understanding the meanings quite difficult. We have compiled a list of the most commonly used acronyms and what they stand for. 

ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

APD: Auditory processing disorder 

ASD- Autism Spectrum Disorder

BSP: Behaviour Support Plan

CAMHS- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

CCG- Clinical Commissioning Groups

CF: Cystic Fibrosis

CFA: Children and Families Act 2014 

CP: Cerebral palsy

DfE: Department for Education

EHCP- Education, Health & Care Plan

EP- Educational Psychologist

ESCO- Early Support Care Co-ordination

EWO- Education Welfare Officer

EYFS: Early Years Foundation Stage

GDD: Global developmental delay 

HE: Higher education

HI- Hearing Impairment

HI: Hearing impairment 

IBP: Individual Behaviour Plan

IEP: Individual Education Plan

LA- Local Authority

LA: Local Authority

LEA: Local educational authority

LO: Local Offer

LSA: Learning support assistant

MLD- Moderate Learning Difficulty

MSI- Multi-Sensory Impairment

OT- Occupational Therapy/Therapist

PD- Physical Disability

PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System

PEP: Personal Education Plan

PMLD- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties

PR- Parental Responsibility

PRU: Pupil Referral Units

PT- Physiotherapy/Physiotherapist

SALT/SLT- Speech & Language Therapy/Therapist

SEMH- Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties

SEN- Special Educational Needs

SEND- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

SENDCo- Special Educational Needs & Disability Co-ordinator

SENDIASS: Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service

SLCN- Speech, Language & Communication Needs

SLD- Severe Learning Difficulties

SpLD- Specific Learning Difficulties

SSSEN:  Support services for Special Educational Needs

TA: Teaching assistant

VI: Visual impairment 

WISC: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children