In the UK, the government's upcoming Schools White Paper outlines intended reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support system, aiming to create a more inclusive educational environment. While these changes are described as positive by officials, many parents of neurodivergent children have reservations about whether the reforms will effectively meet their children's needs or dilute essential support services.

The White Paper seeks to streamline the bureaucratic processes that families currently face when securing necessary support for children with special needs. This involves increasing funding to mainstream schools, allowing them to provide tailored assistance without the need for complex legal frameworks like Educational Health Care Plans. However, parents fear that this shift may lead to reduced specific support tailored to neurodiverse children, as resources are spread across a wider general population.

As a parent of neurodivergent children, the author highlights the potential risks associated with the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of robust support systems for children who require specific assistance away from the typical educational model. Their anxiety reflects broader concerns among parents that the reforms may ultimately lead to a compromised educational environment, where neurodivergent children may not receive the specialized help they require for success.