I am the parent of a 10-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2) and ADHD. I am writing to express my serious concerns about the Thriving Kids initiative and how it may negatively affect children like mine and the families who support them.
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One-size-fits-all approaches do not work Children with disabilities such as ASD and ADHD have very different needs from their peers. Policies that assume all children can fit into the same models of schooling, behaviour management, or participation ignore the significant challenges that neurodivergent children face.
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Lack of understanding of complex needs My son requires:
Individualised support in school,
Flexibility in attendance and learning,
Highly trained staff who understand neurodiversity, sensory regulation, and executive functioning difficulties.
Without these supports, he struggles, becomes anxious, and disengages. The current initiative does not clearly show how these needs will be met.
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Increased pressure on families Families like mine already face enormous stress managing therapies, school meetings, and daily care. Instead of supporting us, the initiative risks placing additional pressure on parents by focusing on “participation” and “thriving” without recognising the barriers that prevent it.
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Risk of exclusion rather than inclusion Policies that focus on outcomes without resourcing schools properly can lead to children being excluded, suspended, or labelled as “problems” when in fact they are not being adequately supported. This is already happening, and the initiative may make this worse.
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What would actually help More funding for trained education assistants who understand ASD and ADHD.
Smaller class sizes or supported classrooms for children with high needs.
Genuine collaboration with parents who know their child best.
Access to affordable therapies and supports outside of school.
Recognition that “thriving” looks different for every child.
I urge decision-makers to reconsider the Thriving Kids initiative in its current form. If it does not recognise the diverse and complex needs of children with disabilities, it will risk failing the very children it claims to support. My son, and many children like him, deserve real inclusion, not more pressure to fit into systems that are not designed for them.