The National Autistic Society has responded to comments by Richard Tice MP about the SEND system and ‘overdiagnosis’.

Joey Nettleton Burrows, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society, said: “To suggest parents are making money from SEND children’s needs is a new low. Parents aren’t profiting from the education system, they are spending time and money fighting against a broken SEND system, just to get the most basic support at school.

“Claiming there is "overdiagnosis" couldn't be further from the truth. The system needs reform to meet the needs of all children, so that SEND children including autistic young people can access a suitable school place and thrive. Spreading these kinds of lies stigmatises autistic people and makes life harder for them and their families. 

“Families of SEND children want the same thing as every other family – the education their children need and deserve. Now is the time to listen to families and create a system which works for everyone, not blame parents and experiment with children’s futures.” 

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