Make neurodiversity education a mandatory part of the national curriculum

I am the parent of a child with additional needs, including autism, who is non-verbal & has complex needs. In public places like parks, I see other children react negatively towards him—shouting if he doesn’t play as expected, saying he is too loud, or pointing when he is stimming.

Children are naturally curious, and questions are okay. But without understanding, this can lead to unkind behaviour, exclusion, and bullying. Teaching neurodiversity in schools could help children understand differences and promote kindness and inclusion. This is not consistently taught and making it mandatory could benefit all children.