ERIC Number: EJ1289434
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0885-6257
EISSN: N/A
Blurring Boundaries: The Invasion of Home as a Safe Space for Families and Children with SEND during COVID-19 Lockdown in England
Canning, Natalie; Robinson, Beryl
European Journal of Special Needs Education, v36 n1 p65-79 2021
This paper examines experiences of families and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with a focus on Autism during a 9-week period in 2020 of 'lockdown' due to COVID-19 where the UK Government's message was 'stay home, stay safe'. For these families, home is where children can be themselves, shut out the outside world and have their own routine. This research draws on interpretative, ethnographic narrative data from eight families of children with Autism/complex needs, aged 5-13 years, and how they have experienced lockdown with competing pressures from school and other agencies. Data was collected from telephone/online interviews and a closed social media platform where parents shared their challenges. Thematic analysis found that home as a safe space was invaded by external expectations. School and meetings with agencies, once separate, became part of home, blurring the boundaries. Home a safe space is examined, as well as children's social/emotional wellbeing and how families negotiate external demands. Home should remain a safe space, boundaries should not be blurred, and families should be supported in understanding learning and development can come from within everyday experiences where children express their interest and engagement.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, COVID-19, Pandemics, Students with Disabilities, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Children, Early Adolescents, Family Environment, Social Influences, Emotional Response, School Closing, Family School Relationship, Well Being, Family Needs, Interaction, Educational Technology, Electronic Learning, Educational Environment, Parent Role
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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