Kids’ response to the Fonagy review into mental health conditions, autism and ADHD
Read our statement of response to the report and what it means for children, young people and families.
Kids response
At the heart of this report is a powerful message, that early support based on children’s needs can transform the lives and futures of disabled children, young people and their families who have for too long been blamed and shamed in so many ways.
Rightly, it moves away from the question of overdiagnosis, and brings much needed recognition that complex systems, long waits and multiple failures have stacked the odds against young people with SEND.
As a charity supporting thousands of children, young people and parents and carers with information, advice, dispute resolution and mediation, as well as crisis support for the whole family when the lack of timely support tears them apart, we see the cost to so many children: missing out on education when their needs are not recognised or met; being excluded from opportunities to take part in activities, build friendships and contribute to their communities; and going without the care, support and respite that they and their families desperately need.
We urge the Government to use this report as a springboard to deliver earlier, needs-led support across education, health and social care, for children, young people and adults, without long waits for clinical diagnosis.