My son is 8 years old, he is extremely intelligent and adores to learn information. My son is Autistic, ADHD and Dysgraphic. My son is extremely confident outside of school, a brown belt in karate, a keen mountain biker, always the first up the climbing walls and stays away on scouting camps with confidence.

When it comes to school however my child changes, he becomes anxious, withdrawn and angry. Crying most nights at the thought of attending school the following day, shaking. His face looks like the energy had been sucked out of it. He tells me things like he hopes he will break his arm so he can not attend school. Despite this he is a child who LOVES to learn, always choosing to go to museums, researching and reading facts etc. My child is a masker and recognises this himself, he tells me he may look OK at school, but inside he is not, he is overstimulated, overwhelmed, in sensory overload and feeling unsafe. My child WANTS to attend school and I also WANT him too. 

Research has shown that 70% of Neurodivergent children are in mainstream schools. Yet 26% of these said they were happy at school (NAS), this would directly effect their mental well-being. 

Research has shown that suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst our young people. Neurodivergent people being 25 times more likely to attempt suicide than Neurotypicals. We must ask ourselves why? (obviously this is not a single thing answer) 

Research has shown that 44% of children being bullied have self harmed. As we know Neurodivergent children are more likely to be bullied than Neurotypicals. 

Research has indicated that children’s risk of suicide increased on school days with lower rates observed in summer holidays. 

Research has indicated that suicide among young people peaks during exam periods.

The research examples are given to provide examples of HOW our children (Neurodivergents) could be at risk of harm BY ATTENDING SCHOOL. These are bullying, increased risk of SH, risks of suicide and not to mention the state of thousands and thousands of children’s mental health. This may disproportionately effect Neurodivergent children, especially those experiencing “EBSA” or school related anxiety. 

The Children’s Well-being and Schools Bill proposal is very worrying for SEN parents with children experiencing School Based Anxiety / Trauma or bullying. Whilst it is noted that children who are homeschooled can still be homeschooled if the Local Authority deem it safe and appropriate there are many issues with this. Firstly Neurodivergent children/families may be disproportionately referred to social services and subject to S47 enquiries or CP plans.  This could be due to the lack of understanding of the neurodivergent experience/presentation, behavioural issues, self harm etc (some may also be at genuine more risk due to being ND, but not ALL). Therefore the proposed bill may effect neurodivergent families more than their counterparts. Ironically, so does the issue of school based anxiety and trauma. So having a blanket rule of assuming all children are safer in school is incredibly unsafe for some. The LA do not necessarily have the training, understanding or personal experience of EBSA or neurodivergence to be able to propose that school is or isn’t a safe place for the child to be. 

Interestingly, the education of ND then later effects their ability to access employment with only 21 percent of Autistic adults being in full time employment.  

There needs to be trust in the Autistic and Neurodivergent voices (both professional and personal) that are screaming out saying the school environment is traumatising some ND children and putting them at serious risk of harm (mentally and physically).

We must do better for these children, and this is why we are pleading for the upcoming Children's Well-being and Schools Bill to include specific provisions, particularly for SEN children and those experiencing “EBSA”, that would aid and protect children like my son who face school-related anxiety and trauma. 

It is time we address this issue fully and at its core. We need to nurture our children's spirit, encourage growth and ensure their mental well-being is protected at all costs. Our children should not dread the thought of receiving an education. Let's make sure this bill includes potential lifelines for our children who need every bit of support they can get.

I would like to propose a task force to include a large proportion of Neurodivergent professionals/ people/ carers to be set up to aid in proposing the amendments or additional bill focusing purely on ND and those with “EBSA”. For this to be child centred and realistic in its proposals to support children who do not feel safe at school. 

There needs to be a better understanding of “EBSA”, the Neurodivergent experience to be listened to, to loose the stigma, stop parent blaming and start working together to support these children to access the education they WANT and DESERVE. 

The way YOU might experience school can be completely different for Neurodivergent children and we need to be open to understanding how school may feel for these children.  

Whilst some children are safer in school, some are not. 

Please help us save our children’s lives and education. 

Please, sign our petition and help urge the government to prioritize our children's mental well-being within the Children's Well-being and Schools Bill.