(New Zealand) More kids with neurological problems not helped; overhaul needed

Aug 7, 2018, Stuff: The case for an overhaul of the learning support system https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/105604905/the-case-for-an-overhaul-of-the-special-needs-education-system Kaden Murray, 12, has severe oro-motor dyspraxia, anxiety, ADHD, autism and an intellectual disability. Cathy Johnston and her husband Matt with son Mitchell, who has autism and epilepsy. Erika Harvey's daughter, Piper. Piper has autism and attends Greerton Village School in Tauranga. THE PROBLEM WITH ORS FUNDING ORS [Ongoing Resourcing Scheme] funding is categorised by two levels of needs: high and very high. To meet approval criteria, students must have either ongoing severe difficulty in learning, hearing, vision, physical or language use/social communication, or moderate-high difficulty with learning, combined with high needs in two of the other four areas. Cathy Johnston, whose son Mitchell, 11, has ORS assistance, says she worries about her friends more than herself. "A number of my friends have got special needs kids, and they're not quite as severe as Mitchell, but for whatever reason it's been incredibly frustrating for them to get [aides]. "I can't say the same for other families, unfortunately, but for me it's been extremely positive ... I just wish some of them would get the kind of help that I receive." Erika Harvey, whose daughter Piper, 7, has ORS funding, says the "extremely narrow" criteria mean parents end up battling each other over the limited pool of money. Children who need help, but are not "the most severe", end up falling through the cracks and never improving unless parents seek outside assistance, she says…. 9049 Students who were receiving ORS funding at July 1, 2017. 66.6% Of those students were boys. … Ministry spokeswoman Katrina Casey acknowledges there are "some challenges" with the system. Demand is increasing for learning support due to population growth and earlier identification of needs, she says. There are also more children with "complex, and in some cases enduring needs". …