Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Reform UK’s candidate for the inaugural mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has seemingly diverged from the views of her party leader, Nigel Farage, regarding children with special educational needs (SEND).
Dame Andrea, who previously served as a Conservative minister, has openly shared her experiences with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both as an individual and as a parent.
During a recent press conference, Farage expressed his belief that there is an overabundance of SEND diagnoses among children. He stated, “Many of these assessments, particularly those conducted before 18 or for the disability register afterward, have often taken place via Zoom or with family GPs.” He further commented, “I believe we are significantly—I’m not trying to be unsympathetic; I’m being honest—over diagnosing mental health and various behavioral disorders.”
In response to Farage’s comments, Dame Andrea emphasized to the BBC that differing opinions are expected within any political party. She remarked, “There is no party where everyone agrees on everything. I didn’t even align with all Conservative views; I was often their most vocal critic.”
Referencing her personal journey, she highlighted the importance of her experiences as both a neurodiverse individual and a parent. “All I have is my personal experience, having seen many heart-wrenching stories of children who have been left behind,” she stated.
Dame Andrea also pointed out the lengthy delays some families face in securing diagnoses for their children, noting that “I’ve witnessed children waiting three to four years. By then, they are entering secondary education significantly behind their peers.”
She shared her own decision to transition her child from mainstream to private education due to academic lag, explaining, “As a parent, I strive to do what’s best for my child. I understand his daily challenges, and my goal is to ensure every child receives the best possible start in life, regardless of their background.”
A source close to Nigel Farage indicated that he was aiming to highlight concerns about the potential overdiagnosis of mental health issues in children.
Source
www.bbc.com