The SEND Parent Survival Toolkit

Crisis & Escalation Edition

Supporting families through challenging moments with practical guidance, compassionate strategies and real understanding.

Parenting a child or young person experiencing emotional dysregulation, aggression, crisis behaviours or escalating conflict can feel overwhelming, isolating and exhausting.

This edition of The SEND Parent Survival Toolkit has been created for parents, carers and families navigating some of the most difficult days of SEND parenting.

Written from lived experience, this practical resource offers clear information, reflective exercises and supportive strategies designed to help families feel informed, empowered and less alone.

Inside you'll find guidance on:

• Understanding crisis behaviour and escalation

• Recognising triggers and patterns

• De-escalation strategies for home environments

• Creating safety plans for families

• Looking after siblings and relationships

• Managing guilt, exhaustion and caregiver burnout

• Working alongside schools and professionals

• Building support networks

• Caring for yourself whilst caring for others

• Reflection prompts, affirmations and practical tools

This book does not offer judgement or unrealistic expectations.

Instead, it provides reassurance, understanding and practical support from someone who has lived the journey themselves.

Whether your family is facing daily challenges, periods of crisis or simply needs a resource to return to during difficult moments, this guide has been designed to sit beside you with compassion, validation and hope.

Ideal for:

✔ Parents and carers of children with SEND

✔ Families experiencing emotional dysregulation or crisis behaviours

✔ Kinship carers and guardians

✔ SEND advocates and support workers

✔ Professionals wanting insight into the lived experience of families

ELM Editions

Practical. Compassionate. Affordable.

Resources created from lived experience to support families navigating SEND, disability, caregiving and wellbeing.