A Community Perspective: Transforming Education for All

At ND Perspective, we believe that lived experiences and diverse voices are essential to creating meaningful change. To explore how education can better support everyone to reach their full potential, we turned to the ND Perspective Community and asked:

“What changes are needed in education so people are better able to reach their full potential?”

The insights shared reflect the collective experiences and expertise of a neurodivergent community, offering a powerful perspective on the changes needed to build a more inclusive and supportive education system. This article presents their ideas and aspirations for a system that values every learner, fosters growth, and reduces unnecessary barriers.

Building a Trauma-Informed Approach :

A recurring theme from the community was the need to eliminate practices that inadvertently cause trauma, particularly for neurodivergent students. These practices include:

Avoiding Public Humiliation: Activities like reading aloud, peer-marking work, or sharing test scores publicly can be deeply humiliating for those who struggle. Removing these practices can create a safer and more equitable learning environment.

Eliminating Shouting: Shouting in the classroom, even when aimed at others, can cause distress for students with heightened sensitivities. Alternative disciplinary methods focused on understanding and teaching are more effective.

Ending Unfair Penalties: Penalising messy handwriting, forgotten items, or non-compliance with strict uniform policies disproportionately affects students with executive functioning challenges or sensory sensitivities. A kinder, more flexible approach would ensure that students are not unfairly punished for circumstances beyond their control.

Recognising Hidden Needs:

The community emphasised the importance of supporting those without formal diagnoses. Many students face long waits for diagnoses or have needs that go unrecognised. By prioritising a needs-first approach, schools can provide support to all students, ensuring no one is left behind due to systemic delays or oversights.

Rethinking Behaviour Management:

A significant shift is needed in how behaviour is perceived and managed. Instead of labelling "bad behaviour" as negative, educators should view it as communication. Understanding the root causes of behaviour allows for compassionate, tailored interventions that address underlying needs rather than simply managing symptoms.

Revolutionising the Education System:

The community called for a fundamental overhaul of the education system, advocating for:

Flexibility and Hybrid Learning: Offering online and hybrid learning as standard would better accommodate diverse learning styles and needs while making efficient use of resources.

Improved SEND Provision: Early interventions and tailored support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should become standard practice.

Fair and Inclusive Policies: Students should not be punished for factors beyond their control, such as a lack of proper footwear due to family circumstances. Policies must reflect compassion and an understanding of students’ realities.

Addressing Higher Education:

University education also requires reform, particularly in courses like psychology and social sciences. The community noted that these courses often focus rigidly on diagnostic criteria without recognising the complexities of neurodiversity. Incorporating the strengths and positive contributions of neurodivergent learners would benefit students and prepare future professionals to better understand and support diverse populations.

Preparing for a Neurodiverse Future:

With autism diagnoses on the rise, the education system must adapt to meet the needs of an increasingly neurodiverse population. Failure to act now risks creating an unprepared system within the next two decades.

A Humanistic Approach:

Community voices highlighted that when all students are treated with the same understanding and support currently reserved for a fortunate few, education will be transformed. A humanistic approach that celebrates strengths, accommodates differences, and fosters self-worth is essential for creating a system where every learner can thrive.

Closing Note:

The ND Perspective Community has made it clear: change in education is not just desirable; it is necessary. By listening to lived experiences and embracing flexibility, compassion, and inclusivity, we can create an education system that empowers every learner to reach their full potential. The time for reform is now.