Learning the Hard Way, produced by the think-tanks CentreForum and Policy Exchange, said many parents feel disenfranchised because few local authorities offer adequate information about SEN services.
The report found less than five per cent of English and Welsh councils are meeting the legal requirement to provide information about SEN support on their websites.
To rectify the situation, the report proposes introducing a "first come, first served" system for school admissions, major reform of the SEN statement process, and a waiver of the £2m entry fee for academy schools if they create specialist SEN units.
Lorraine Peterson, chief executive of special needs association Nasen, said: "We support the need for parents of children with special needs to be fully involved in their educational provision. Where schools and local authorities work closely with parents, the process is transparent and ensures children's needs are met."
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