To Whom It May Concern,

As an organisation founded by and for neurominorities, Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) is deeply invested in advocating for the rights of neurominority individuals from cradle to grave. It is with grave concern that we address the current state of primary and secondary education and the numerous challenges faced by neurominority students within the school system globally. We recognise that the current educational landscape often fails to provide an inclusive environment where all students can participate meaningfully.

The high rates of exclusion among neurominority children are alarming, and the lack of comprehensive understanding and support for neurodiversity is deeply troubling. It is imperative tha these issues are addressed to ensure that all students, regardless of neurological differences, are afforded the same access to education and opportunities to thrive.

ION is dedicated to advocating for the rights of neurominorities globally, and we believe that education is a crucial area where immediate changes are necessary.

Our community, alongside our allies, works tirelessly to protect, empower and uplift neurominorities. We create and disseminate free resources aimed at fostering inclusive schools, workplaces, and societies. These resources provide actionable insights on creating environments where everyone, regardless of neurotype, can succeed.

One of our core beliefs is that neurominorities and allies must play an active role in shaping policies related to neurominority inclusion. Only by involving those directly affected can we ensure that policies are truly supportive and effective.

We urge schools to engage with neurominorities in meaningful dialogue, to listen to their experiences, and to incorporate their insights and voices into policy and practice.

To support schools in becoming more neuroinclusive, ION offers a free corporate membership that includes a pledge outlining eight key areas for improvement. These areas focus on fostering understanding, inclusivity, and support for neurominorities. By committing to these principles, schools can create a more inclusive environment where all students are respected and given the opportunity to succeed.

Your school can sign up here.

We call upon educational institutions to take immediate action in the following areas:

1. Inclusive Teaching Practices: Implement teaching methods that accommodate diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring that all students can participate fully in the learning process.
2. Reducing Exclusions: Develop strategies to address and significantly reduce the exclusion of neurominority students, recognising that exclusion can have long-lasting negative impacts on their education and well-being. The direct road from exclusion to jail is well documented and the number of neurominorities, for this reason among others, are over represented in jails.
3. Broad Understanding of Neurodiversity: Promote a broad and inclusive understanding of neurodiversity within the school community, recognising the wide range of neurological differences among students and that all classrooms are neurodiverse.
4. Supportive Environments: Create safe and supportive school environments where neurominority students feel valued and understood. Have a zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and discrimination with clear consequences for individuals engaging in that.
5. Policy Involvement: Involve neurominorities and their allies in the development and implementation of policies affecting their inclusion and support.
6. Resource Provision: Utilise and share resources created by neurominorities to inform and guide inclusive practices within schools.
7. Training and Education: Provide ongoing training and education for teachers, staff, broader student population and administrators on neurodiversity and inclusive practices.
8. Community Engagement: Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect within the broader school community, encouraging engagement and collaboration among students, parents, and staff.

By addressing these areas, schools can make significant strides toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

The Institute of Neurodiversity, our members and the neurodiversity community all want to protect our children from the discrimination and bullying most of us have experienced as children. We want them to fare better than previous neurominority generations and we will actively advocate and take action when needed.

The time for change is now, and we urge educational institutions to take these steps to ensure that neurominority students receive the respect, understanding, and support they deserve.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Valeur, Chair Institute of Neurodiversity ION

We encourage your to download the word document of the letter and share it with your child’s school