The Opportunity of Neurodiversity - First Posted 26 Feb 2024

 The concept of Social Mobility is now well recognised, across both society and industry. It is defined by the UK Government as:

“… the link between a person’s occupation or income and the occupation or income of their parents. Where there is a strong link, there is a lower level of social mobility. Where there is a weak link, there is a higher level of social mobility.”

It is driven by the need for diversity of thought and experience in order for enterprises and even states to achieve an advantage over their rivals. It appeals to me personally, because it is also a reflection of a fairer society.

If diversity of thought and experience is the desired outcome here, then it’s time we began to consider how to harness neurodiversity in a similar manner... Neuro-mobility, if you will. A societal system which embraces and values neurodiversity, and is supported by a curriculum and education system which enables neurodiverse children to achieve their potential. Our current UK curriculum and education system is failing neurodiverse children and their teachers terribly, but if we in the UK can implement these systems now, then within a decade we can harness the diversity of skills and thought we will nurture.

This morning I had the privilege of addressing and speaking with members of Neurodiversi-TEA Natters, a social group facilitated by local Tutor Kate Morris and Drama Teacher Emily Hastings, for the parents of neurodiverse children. I shared my own experience of neurodiversity, from my complex childhood and throughout my military career, and I learned of the experiences of some residents whose own children are being let down in a society built by and for neurologically uniform people. Many of these parents are themselves neurodiverse, and have had to overcome their own battles with organisations and establishments which ought to be more open-minded with regards to neurodiversity; a member of my family was diagnosed with dyslexia back in 1990, yet there are educators who refuse to acknowledge its existence even in 2024.

I want to see a government which leads from the front on neurodiversity and recognises it for the opportunity that it is, which is why I am standing with the Liberal Democrats for election to the House of Commons.