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Neurodiverse youth face transitional challenges
Why becoming an adult is one of the hardest journeys
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Friday 23rd January 2026 |
The UK education system is inadequately preparing neurodiverse young people for the complexities of the 21st-century workforce, according to a recent paper by Gavin Hoole.
While many students struggle with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are particularly vulnerable to systemic failures.
The research highlights that many people leave school without the essential skills or accommodations required to navigate modern employment.
Key barriers identified include a lack of tailored support, social stigma, and recruitment processes that do not account for natural variations in the human brain.
These obstacles often lead to higher rates of unemployment and social isolation for neurodiverse youth.
To address this, the paper proposes 12 recommendations based on international human rights agreements.
These include providing assistive technology, implementing flexible work arrangements, and mandatory training for educators.
Hoole argues that true inclusion requires a shift in societal attitudes and a commitment to reasonable adjustments, ensuring that every person has the resources needed to thrive in adulthood.
Source: FE News (UK)
https://www.fenews.co.uk/exclusive/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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