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Written question asked by Alex Baker (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs: Autism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to consider autistic burnout when shaping policies on SEND.

Answer

As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to fix the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and restore the trust of parents. We will do this by ensuring schools have the tools to better identify and support children before issues escalate. We will bring forward a full Schools White Paper early this year, building on the work we have already done to create a system that is rooted in inclusion.

To support the development of the reforms, we are drawing on insights from experts, including the department’s Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion and the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group, who were established to provide an expert view and make recommendations on how to best meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people within mainstream education settings.

The department has also launched a further period of listening and engagement to strengthen co-creation, listening to children and young people, parents, experts, and education professionals across the country, so that lived experience and partnership are at the heart of the solutions.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
103576
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Autism Special educational needs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk