Raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also feel isolating, overwhelming, and, at times, exhausting.
Sometimes, the most valuable support doesn’t come from professionals, but from other parents who simply get it. The late-night worries, the exhausting appointments, the endless battles with forms and funding, there’s a unique comfort in connecting with others walking the same path.
Thankfully, there are some brilliant online communities for SEN Families in the UK where special educational needs families can find advice, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Here are some of the most supportive and active spaces out there.
Why Online Communities Are Good
The right SEN online community can make all the difference, giving you a space to cry, laugh, ask, learn, and feel part of something bigger. Whether it’s 2am and you’re desperately Googling sensory toys, or you’ve just come home from a difficult meeting with school, these groups are full of people who understand and want to help.
7 Online Communities For SEN Families
Our Charity
At the Nigel Prosser Foundation, we offer Free SEN Resources and SEN Blogs for parents and children. We also offer free advice from parents and volunteers in a similar situation when you contact us via email.
Special Needs Jungle – Facebook Group & Website
If you’re looking for a mix of up-to-date information and peer support, Special Needs Jungle is a fantastic place to start.
Their Facebook group is a safe space for parents and carers to ask questions, vent frustrations, and share wins (big or small). It’s well-moderated and filled with people who genuinely want to help. Whether you’re confused about EHCPs or just need someone to say “yes, today was hard”, you’ll be heard here.
- Website: Special Needs Jungle
- Facebook Group: Search “Special Needs Jungle” on Facebook
Mumsnet SEN Boards
Mumsnet isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but their Special Needs and Education: SEN boards are very active and often packed with solid advice. The anonymity means people are often brutally honest, which can be incredibly useful when you’re looking for real experiences rather than sugar-coated answers.
It’s particularly helpful for discussions around EHCPs, school appeals, and navigating the often-confusing world of local authorities.
- Website: MumsNet select Forums and then either “Special Needs” or “Education: SEN”
Scope Online Community
Scope, the well-known disability charity, hosts a brilliant online community covering all kinds of topics relating to disability and SEN. You’ll find specific sections for parents and carers, as well as wider discussions around benefits, education, and inclusion.
The tone is gentle and encouraging, perfect if you’re feeling a bit fragile and just want to dip a toe in. Their advisors also often pop in to answer more technical questions around things like DLA, PIP, and access to services.
- Website: Scope
The SEND Room – Facebook Group
A growing and lively group with thousands of members, The SEND Room offers emotional support, practical tips, and a real sense of community. Parents share everything from daily wins to full-blown rants, and there’s always someone ready to lend a kind word or a helpful link.
It’s especially good if you’re navigating school-related SEN issues and need quick replies from people in similar situations.
- Facebook: Search “The SEND Room”
National Autistic Society (NAS) – Online Community
For families with autistic children, the NAS community is a calm, focused space with discussions ranging from early signs and assessments to adult services and co-occurring conditions.
It’s a slower-moving forum than some Facebook groups, but that’s part of its strength, well-thought-out replies and a chance to browse older threads full of advice.
- Website: Autism Community
Reddit – r/ukparenting
Reddit might not be the first place that comes to mind, but there are a few UK-based communities worth checking out one of them is:
- r/ukparenting – A general parenting subreddit with regular SEN discussions.
It’s a bit more informal and unfiltered, but that also means you get honest answers and peer-to-peer conversations that feel raw and real.
A Note on Safety and Kindness in Online Communities for SEN Families
As with any online community, it’s worth remembering that not every comment will be helpful or kind. Trust your instincts; if a group doesn’t feel like a good fit, move on. There’s no one-size-fits-all community, and that’s okay.
Look for spaces that are well-moderated, where personal experiences are respected, and where no question is treated as silly. The best groups feel like a warm kitchen table where you can show up just as you are.
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