Latest news with #NationalAutisticSociety
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Ofsted criticised over training manual linking autistic children to extremism
Ofsted, the body responsible for safeguarding in education in England, has been accused of 'offensive' and 'clumsy' discrimination after telling inspectors that children with autism are 'at increased risk of being susceptible to extremism'. A training manual used to teach hundreds of school inspectors also claims that children who are autistic are 'more likely to develop special interests' and 'can be drawn into extremism' as a result. The National Autistic Society warned that the document risked stigmatising autistic traits, while a human rights organisation said the manual's teachings 'draw a target on autistic children'. Ofsted has defended the document, saying that its training offers an understanding of different circumstances in which children might be more susceptible to extremism. The disclosure comes amid deepening concerns over the number of autistic children who have been referred to Prevent, the government's deradicalisation programme. Last Monday the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said she was 'really worried' by 'a doubling in the number of young people' referred to Prevent. Ofsted's statements on autism emerged in a document used to train inspectors. Entitled Inspection Safeguarding Session – Prevent Extract 2024, the document says: 'Children and young people with autism are at increased risk of being susceptible to extremism. This is because they are more likely to develop special interests.' 'Due to this and any social communication needs, children with autism are more likely to experience social isolation and so use the internet as a way to find friends. They trust the information they read and the 'friends' that they find online and so can be drawn into extremism,' it says. Tim Nicholls, the assistant director of policy, research and strategy at the National Autistic Society, said autistic people and their families would be 'offended and concerned' by how autism is portrayed in the training manual. Nicholls said: 'Words matter, so it's important not to demonise or stigmatise autistic traits. 'Ofsted clearly has an important role here … However, when autism is included, it needs to be approached in a sensitive way. 'The wording in this training document is oversimplifying a very complicated and serious issue. It's not just about 'special interests' or 'using the internet as a way to find friends'. This clumsy generalisation proves that it's essential that those developing, delivering and participating in Ofsted's training on radicalisation and extremism have a comprehensive understanding of autism. 'This is the latest in one of many issues surrounding Prevent. We believe the support system for autistic children is broken. We're worried that many children are being inappropriately referred as a last resort, when no other support is being offered.' Sarah St Vincent, the executive director of Rights and Security International, which obtained the document through a freedom of information request, said: 'The government has not shown that autistic children are any more likely to pose a serious threat of violence than anyone else is. 'Instead, the Ofsted trainings draw a target on autistic children based on what look to us like sweeping and simplistic statements. This could amount to direct and illegal discrimination. 'It could also lead to a feedback loop in which autistic children are increasingly over-policed, with lasting consequences.' Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion An Ofsted spokesperson said: 'Keeping children safe is our top priority. This includes protecting all children from the threat of extremism. Our training equips inspectors with knowledge of the risks posed by extremists and extremist ideology, as well as an understanding of a variety of different circumstances in which children might be more susceptible to the threat of extremism.' Ofsted is responsible for training more than 2,000 inspectors in online and in-person sessions. Created in the wake of 9/11, Prevent aims to identify people at risk of radicalisation before they have committed any crime. The programme relies on information from teachers and clinicians who are under a legal duty to report anyone, of any age, suspected of harbouring extremist views. Counter-terrorism police then identify those deemed to be a genuine threat. The most high-risk individuals are offered support known as Channel intervention. A 2021 internal Home Office analysis found that more than a quarter of those receiving deradicalisation support from the Channel programme had either been diagnosed or had a suspected diagnosis of autism, compared with about 1% of the general population. However, the Home Office has indicated that data about protected characteristics of referred persons is often not available. It said existing Prevent and Channel data did not allow for a comprehensive analysis of all protected characteristics of individuals referred. Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, has voiced his concerns that a 'staggeringly high' number of autistic people are referred to Prevent. He has cited terrorism cases in which the defendants were autistic, including the then 17-year-old Lloyd Gunton, who declared himself an Islamic State soldier and was sentenced to life in prison for preparing a vehicle and knife attack in Cardiff in 2018.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Suffolk man calls for mandatory teacher neurodivergent training
An autistic man wants all teachers to undertake training to help them better understand how to interact with neurodivergent students and Howard's petition, calling on the government to make the training mandatory, already has more than 10,000 supporters. The 29-year-old, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, hoped it would help make education more accessible, improve inclusion and safety, and ensure the mental health of neurodivergent students does not suffer like his did."At university, things became overwhelming, the lack of understanding and reasonable adjustments pushed me to breaking point," he told the BBC. According to the national charity Children's Society UK, it was estimated that between 15 and 20% of young people in the UK were meant they had been diagnosed with either autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia or Tourette's Syndrome, NHS England by the National Autistic Society, meanwhile, showed just 14% of secondary school teachers have received more than half a day's training on education report also revealed that 70% of autistic young people said teachers don't understand enough about autism. Joey Nettleton Burrows, policy and public affairs manager at the organisation, said it was "critical" for teachers to understand autism to ensure autistic pupils feel supported in the classroom."A lack of understanding about autism can lead to students feeling unsupported, or that their needs aren't being met, which can have a negative impact on their attendance and attainment," he said. "Autistic children deserve the right help at school, and teachers should be supported to provide this. "All teachers and school staff should receive mandatory autism training to improve understanding and ensure that all autistic children get the education they need." Mr Howard said he feared struggles faced by neurodivergent students could contribute to "poor mental health and emotional distress" – something he wants to prevent from happening."I want teachers to have training so they can spot and understand the signs and symptoms and learn how to interact with people who are neurodivergent," he said."But it's not just about the interactions between teachers and students because there are more and more neurodivergent teachers and support staff in the workplace." 'Every student deserves to be understood' Mr Howard received a "late diagnosis" for his autism in July 2016 when he was 20 years old and studying at lack of quiet spaces for breaks, clear instructions, extended time for exams and coursework, flexible deadlines and the availability of assistive technology made studying difficult, he said. He also struggled with changing timetables, not being allowed to leave class when he felt overwhelmed, and not having one-to-one mentoring sessions with a trusted staff member."This lived experience is what now drives me to campaign for change because no one should have to reach crisis before they're supported," he said. "Every teacher deserves the tools to recognise and respond to neurodivergence—and every student deserves to be understood." 'Something will change' Mr Howard surveyed just over 80 teachers and lecturers as part of research for his campaign and said he was "quite surprised" when 90% told him neurodivergent training would be useful. Speaking about the petition, he said: "It is absolutely incredible, I have been overwhelmed by the public response, and I am looking forward to seeing what the government has to say."If I can get further cross-party backing and keep raising awareness, I think we will slowly chip away at it, and I am hopeful something will change."The government is required to respond to petitions on the UK Parliament website with more than 10,000 signatures. A Department for Education spokesperson said: "It will take time but, as part of our Plan for Change, we are thinking differently about what the Send [special educational needs and disabilities] system should look like, to restore the confidence of families up and down the country and deliver the improvement they are crying out for so every child can achieve and thrive."We are already making progress by investing £1bn into Send nationally and £740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, paving the way for significant, long-term reform." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Going to A&E is unbearable for my autistic son'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces". His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. James Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Families face years on autism waiting lists My son loves to swim but felt unwelcome at pool Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood". Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe. "It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety." Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances. "Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and engaged. He added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming. "Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky". Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential." While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the floor. Ms Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans. "Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events. "I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them". "I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone". "We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions. Mum told to 'give up' career to care for daughters Disabled children denied education right - report Our soul-destroying wait for daughter's autism diagnosis
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Going to A&E is unbearable for my autistic son'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces". His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. James Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Families face years on autism waiting lists My son loves to swim but felt unwelcome at pool Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood". Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe. "It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety." Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances. "Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and engaged. He added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming. "Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky". Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential." While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the floor. Ms Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans. "Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events. "I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them". "I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone". "We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions. Mum told to 'give up' career to care for daughters Disabled children denied education right - report Our soul-destroying wait for daughter's autism diagnosis
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'My autistic son finds going to A&E unbearable - I want to change that'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces".His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood".Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe."It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety."Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances."Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming."Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky".Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential."While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans."Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events."I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them"."I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone"."We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions.
