A national roundtable has been held in Parliament and hosted by a Somerset MP to improve support for neurodivergent children.
The meeting, led by Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil Adam Dance, brought together organisations including the British Dyslexia Association, Dyscalculia Network, Ambitious about Autism, Speech and Language UK, and Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Ed Davey MP.
Mr Dance said: "It was an honour to bring so many experts and campaigners together in Parliament.
"The lived experience and the professional expertise in the room were incredibly powerful.
"Too many neurodivergent children are still being failed by an education system that does not recognise their needs early enough.
"When children are misunderstood, they fall behind and too often face unfair punishment.
"We can and must do better."
The discussion focused on early identification of needs, universal screening, teacher training, and broader reforms of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
A key topic was Mr Dance’s Neurodivergence: Screening and Teacher Training Bill, introduced to Parliament in September.
The Bill would require the Department for Education to work with experts to create a national, light touch universal screening programme in primary schools, alongside statutory teacher training on neurodiversity.
Mr Dance opened the session by highlighting the scale of the issue, noting that around 80 per cent of dyslexic children leave school without a formal diagnosis.
He also pointed out that 78 per cent of teachers report seeing pupils unfairly punished because of their speech or language difficulties.
Ellen Broome, CEO of the British Dyslexia Association, said: "We were pleased to take part in this important roundtable.
"Early identification and the right training for teachers is essential if we want children to be properly understood and supported.
"Far too many young people leave school without their needs being recognised, and unable to fulfil their potential.
"Adam’s leadership on this issue is hugely valuable, and we look forward to continuing to work with him to make sure all dyslexic children and young people can thrive in school and beyond."
The meeting also covered the use of assistive technology, differentiated instruction, and the need for ongoing teacher development.
Attendees agreed to develop shared priorities ahead of the government’s delayed SEND White Paper and to continue working together for meaningful reform.
Mr Dance said: "My Bill is not a silver bullet, but it is a starting point.
"As someone with severe dyslexia and ADHD, this work is deeply personal to me.
"Early understanding changed my life.
"Every child deserves that same chance."
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