Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will accept Ambitious about Autism’s invitation to meet their Youth Network.

The department works closely with stakeholders representing the autistic community, including Ambitious about Autism, to understand the issues faced by autistic children and young people and develop solutions.

We know that consistent, meaningful co-production is vital to improving the experiences of all children, young people and their families, and we are committed to listening to and working with autistic children and young people. As such, I would be happy to consider an invitation to meet with Ambitious about Autism’s youth network.

We have recently announced the establishment of a Neurodivergence Task and Finish group which will bring together a group of leading neurodiversity experts who will work closely with the department. The group will work to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream settings, in a way that works for neurodivergent children and young people.

This group will carefully listen to the views and experiences of neurodivergent children and young people. The department is eager to hear their views on how we can improve systems and the support that is offered to them to ensure we make positive changes.