Who are the SENbetweeners?
Meet the SENbetweeners - bright, capable neurodivergent children who can study at age-related levels and achieve academically, but who don’t fit neatly into the “mainstream” box. At the same time, they don’t meet the threshold for complex specialist support. They’re the ones who quietly struggle, often masked by the notion that "they seem okay" - but their needs often go missed….until they eventually burnout, some becoming severely traumatised by mainstream school environment.
While we recognise that not all neurodiverse children are exceptionally gifted, one study of children with autism found that 21% met the criteria for academic giftedness - a remarkable indicator that among neurodivergent learners there exists high potential waiting to be nurtured.
In a broader sample of autistic individuals, nearly half had average or above-average IQ scores, suggesting that many sit astride the threshold between ‘needs support’ and ‘under-recognized strength.’
In reality, the number of “academically able” neurodivergent children is likely much higher than we think - because many remain undiagnosed or unsupported.
These are the children who may have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodivergent profiles, yet who are often academically able – some even bordering on genius.
Remember Albert Einstein (autism), Thomas Edison (ADHD), Sir Isaac Newton (autism/ADHD), Bill Gates (autism), Elon Musk - (autism) Tim Burton (autism) Richard Branson and Steve Jobs (Dyslexia) Jamie Oliver and Emma Watson (ADHD).
History shows us that neurodivergent minds are often the very ones that drive humanity forward - yet too many of today’s children with similar potential are being left behind - some without any proper schooling at all.
HOWEVER, an “average or above-average IQ” is not to say that all of these children are able to thrive and do well in school!
Many struggle in conventional school settings due to sensory, social, or processing differences. Mainstream classrooms and environments can easily overwhelm them and even be traumatising and destructive. Large crowds, multi-storey buildings, long corridors, bright lights and loud bells can cause untold distress. On the other hand, special schools designed for children with complex needs, can’t offer the academically challenging curriculum or flexibility they need… and so, they fall between the gaps - anxious, isolated, or out of education altogether.
‘NO’ to less Education… ‘YES’ to the right kind of Education!
Through our “A School for Every Child” campaign, we’re calling for a local facility designed especially for these children, so that they don’t have to travel miles to a school that meets their need. A calm, inclusive environment where difference is celebrated, curiosity is nurtured, and learning is flexible enough to meet every mind where it is.
SENbetweeners don’t need less education - they need the right kind of education.
With understanding, creative teaching, and a community that believes in them, they can and will thrive.
It’s time to make sure that every child in Scarborough, Whitby and the coastal regions has access to a place that fits - not a system that forces them to fit into it.
Join us in supporting the “A School for Every Child” campaign and help us build the future our SENbetweeners deserve.