Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

Proposal 2: people who are neurodivergent.

Proposal 1 : To identify as “neurodiverse” is something that is commonly used in the neurodivergent community and online. The two terms are massively similar so if there is a distinction it is not very clear even if neurodiverse is scientifically considered to mean the a population. Few neurotypical people think of themselves as neurodiverse.

Proposal 5: absolutely include people with lived experience in any development of strategies.

Proposal 4: yes these strategies should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are up to date with the latest research.

Proposal 6: It might be useful to consider accountability in order to fully progress the strategies.

At every level , lived experience should be considered a valuable asset to increase the efficacy of any strategies and guidance.

I do agree with this proposal. Why would you not encourage learning and training in the public sector? It can only help staff feel better equipped.

Again, consider also involving those with lived experience in assisting
Training provision.
Make the training interactive and engaging

I agree with proposal 2: mandatory training for teachers, practitioners and other educators.
One size does not fit all and conventional teaching methods have to be adapted to help neurodivergent children achieve in school. Otherwise they are not effective and that would not “get it right for every child”.
Teachers who do not have training in teaching methods and approaches for neurodivergent children will be at a massive disadvantage. And they will struggle to manage those kids in their class. This training will benefit all children in the class, not just those who are neurodivergent.

There needs to be a complete shift in the cultural understanding of neurodivergence within the education sector. These children are not a nuisance or a burden and have huge amounts to contribute if given the opportunity. They have challenges which massively disadvantage them in a school setting but small changes can make a huge difference. And almost all of the modifications and accommodations (ie:more movement breaks and a dedicated calm area) would benefit all children.
There are too few ASN trained staff probably partly because it is a challenging job and partly because their are paid extremely poorly. Pay these people better, they deserve it and their work is crucial to schools.

They will require more guidance and support to enter into this transition and progress and succeed.