A Crucial Focus for Future Leadership and Education

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We find ourselves in a peculiar time of the year, with the political battle to appoint our next Prime Minister being of paramount importance. As we navigate this uncertainty, it is essential to consider the impact of leadership on our education system, particularly concerning neurodiversity and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The next leader must prioritise the needs of neurodiverse individuals across our education system and their integration into the workplace, ensuring their talents are recognised and utilised effectively.

Neurodiversity encompasses a range of differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and more. These differences present unique challenges and abilities. For instance, over 40% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia or another form of neurodiversity, yet 50% of the prison population struggles with literacy difficulties. This stark contrast highlights the failures within our education system. Following 13 years of austerity, many schools are under-resourced and unable to support neurodiverse students and their parents, ultimately failing society as a whole.

Understanding the strengths of individuals with neurodiversity, along with recognising the resilience and support provided by so many teachers, is crucial. We must ensure that support and development are prioritised within education and also facilitate a smooth transition from educational establishments to the workforce.

Reflecting on 2019, when I created the Dyslexia Show, the landscape was already challenging. While there has been some positive change, it remains insufficient. The impact of mental health issues on neurodiverse individuals, exacerbated by the pandemic, and the ever-changing political landscape have only added to these challenges.

This is not a political statement but a personal manifesto. My aim is to ensure continued support for all areas of society concerning diversity. As I engage in the planning of the 2025 show, I face numerous questions regarding sustainability and how to fulfil my commitment to promoting inclusion. For me, true evolution equals more inclusion, and this must be at the forefront of our educational and political agendas.