ABSTRACT
This essay describes some of the findings from an exploration into the discourse of special educational needs. The work shows that in the field of special educational needs, metaphors and narratives play an important part. It includes consideration of notable examples of narrative and metaphor that “describe ideas, construct thinking and have implications for practice” (Walton & Lloyd, 2011, p. 1). Significant amongst these are narratives and metaphors of deficit, journeys, struggles, and empowerment. These narratives and metaphors particularly demonstrate their power in shaping the opportunities available to and experience of those with special educational needs.
