A Movement for Neurodivergent Justice
Why We’re No Longer Waiting — And What We’re Building Instead
The Crisis We Can’t Ignore
Across the UK, neurodivergent people are falling through the cracks of broken systems.
Children are excluded instead of supported.
Adults are misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and left to unravel.
Families are told to wait years for help—and then blamed for the consequences of being abandoned.
And those most in need of care are often the least able to access or afford it.
This isn’t just a series of unfortunate experiences.
It’s not bad luck. It’s not isolated.
It’s systemic.
At every stage of life, neurodivergent people are navigating services that were not built for them. These systems weren’t just underfunded—they were never designed with us in mind.
The Stats Behind the Struggle
Over 1 million people in the UK are on ADHD or autism diagnostic waiting lists
The average NHS wait for an ADHD assessment now exceeds 5 years in some regions
75% of children excluded from schools have SEND or unidentified neurodivergent needs
Adults with ADHD are 5x more likely to experience addiction, self-harm, or breakdown
Suicide risk among undiagnosed neurodivergent individuals is significantly elevated
These are not just numbers.
They are consequences of systemic neglect.
They are people whose lives were made harder by structures that failed them—not by who they are.
What Is #FixTheSystem?
#FixTheSystem is more than a hashtag. It’s a movement.
Led by The Neuro Inclusion Project, it brings together clinicians, educators, campaigners, and people with lived experience to fight for systemic change across mental health, education, and public services.
We’re not here to adapt to a system that harms us.
We’re here to change it.
Our Mission
To reform the services that continue to exclude, pathologise, and punish neurodivergent people—and to build accessible, inclusive, trauma-informed alternatives that work.
This means:
Embedding neurodivergent-informed therapy into NHS care pathways
Reforming the SEND and education system to support instead of penalise
Creating national workplace inclusion standards that protect neurodivergent employees
Replacing punitive policies with relational support rooted in dignity, autonomy, and understanding
🛠 What We’re Building
1. A New Therapeutic Pathway
We’ve developed NeuroAlign Therapy—a clinically grounded, trauma-informed, neurodivergent-specific model designed for ADHD and emotional dysregulation. It combines CBT, DBT, and somatic approaches with lived experience insight.
We’re calling for this model (and others like it) to be:
Adopted in NHS pilot programs
Funded for free or low-cost delivery
Integrated into national therapy training
2. Education that Supports, Not Excludes
We’re advocating for:
Trauma-informed, sensory-accessible classroom models
Ending zero-tolerance behaviour policies that harm ND children
Mandatory training for all school staff on neurodivergence
3. Workplace Inclusion That Goes Beyond “Awareness”
We’re developing a Neurodivergent Workplace Inclusion Standard to push beyond tokenism and towards meaningful structural inclusion:
Legal protections
Inclusive hiring pipelines
Coaching and support funding
4. Systemic Advocacy and NHS Alignment
We want to work with NHS leaders—including the new ADHD Taskforce—to develop a therapeutic and support pathway that:
Reflects real lived experience
Uses tailored interventions for ADHD and trauma
Is scalable, fundable, and community-led
We’re not here to criticise and walk away.
We’re here to co-create what comes next.
The Core Beliefs of FixTheSystem
- Lived experience is valid expertise
- Inclusion is not optional—it’s a human right
- “Wait your turn” is not a care strategy
- Awareness is not enough—policy must change
- We are not broken. The system is.
How You Can Get Involved
- Read and share the #FixTheSystem Manifesto
- Join our campaign mailing list
- Partner with us to pilot our models in NHS or educational settings
- Share your story using #FixTheSystem on LinkedIn or Instagram
- Fund the movement: [GoFundMe link]
- Invite us to speak, train, or consult with your organisation
This Is Bigger Than a Campaign
This is a reimagining of what support can look like.
This is the start of a system that sees us.
A system built not just for neurodivergent people—
but with us, led by us, and accountable to us.
We’re not asking to be fixed.
We’re asking you to fix the system.
Are you ready?
Written by The Neuro Inclusion Project
A Call for Neurodivergent Justice and Systemic Reform
We Are Not Broken. The System Is.
For too long, neurodivergent individuals have been treated as if their very existence is the problem. From the educational institutions that punish rather than empower, to healthcare systems that leave us waiting years for support, and workplaces that demand conformity over creative difference—our society has built systems that fail us at every turn.
This manifesto is not about fixing us.
It’s a demand to fix the very systems that continue to exclude, harm, and silence neurodivergent voices.
The Reality We Face
Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed: Neurodivergent individuals, whether ADHDers, autistics, dyslexics, or otherwise, are too often misunderstood. Misdiagnosis, overpathologising, and systemic neglect are not rare events—they are a daily reality.
Inadequate Support: Waiting lists for appropriate diagnosis and treatment stretch for years. Support in schools and workplaces is either limited or only available to those who can afford private care.
Exclusion and Isolation: From punitive educational policies to workplace cultures that reward conformity, our environments fail to harness our unique strengths while punishing our differences.
Stolen Opportunities: The delays, dismissals, and systemic biases force many to navigate life without the tools and opportunities that a supportive, inclusive system should provide.
These aren’t isolated issues, but symptoms of a deeply flawed system—a system that demands neurodivergent people adapt rather than adapt the system to our diverse needs.
Our Vision: A New Path Forward
#FixTheSystem is a movement, a rallying cry, and a roadmap for radical reform. Our vision embraces these core tenets:
1. Lived Experience as Expertise
Our experiences, challenges, and successes as neurodivergent individuals are a profound source of wisdom. It’s time our voices lead the way in shaping policies, services, and environments.
2. Inclusive and Trauma-Informed Care
We demand mental health and healthcare services that are specifically designed to understand and support neurodivergence. This means therapy models developed with neurodivergent input, training that respects our differences, and services that bridge the gap between clinical expertise and lived experience.
3. Education that Empowers
School systems must evolve. Instead of punishing neurodivergent behavior, educational institutions should create sensory-friendly, flexible environments that celebrate different modes of learning and support every student’s potential.
4. Workplace Equity and Respect
No more token inclusion. Employers must establish policies that value neurodivergent ways of thinking. From recruitment processes to everyday work environments, all aspects must support, not stifle, neurodivergent talent.
5. Policy and Structural Reform
True change comes from the top down and the bottom up. We call on policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders to join us in redesigning systems that currently perpetuate inequity and exclusion.
How We Plan to Get There
A. Building Alternative Models
NeuroAlign Therapy: A trauma-informed, neurodivergent-specific therapeutic pathway that integrates evidence-based practices (CBT, DBT, somatic therapy) with insights from lived experience.
Inclusive Education Initiatives: Pilot programs for sensory-friendly classrooms and alternative disciplinary approaches that support neurodivergent learners.
Workplace Inclusion Standards: Developing comprehensive guidelines and training modules for employers to cultivate environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
B. Collaboration and Advocacy
Working with the NHS: We aim to partner with NHS leaders and the ADHD Taskforce to pilot and eventually scale therapy models that truly serve neurodivergent communities.
Community Voices: By amplifying personal stories, hosting events, and engaging on social media, we are building a groundswell of collective power.
Policy Engagement: Submitting white papers, engaging with policymakers, and using data-driven arguments to secure meaningful reforms.
C. Grassroots Mobilisation
Digital Campaigns: Using hashtags like #FixTheSystem to spread awareness, share experiences, and galvanize support.
Local Action Groups: Establishing community hubs and support networks where neurodivergent individuals and allies can collaborate and create change from the ground up.
Media Outreach: Leveraging traditional and social media to shine a light on systemic failures and to propose realistic, compassionate solutions.
Our Demands
Immediate Implementation of Neurodivergent-Informed Care: Integrate specialised therapy models into NHS services with dedicated funding and training.
Educational Reform: Revise exclusionary policies and invest in training, resources, and infrastructure that support neurodivergent students.
Workplace Inclusion Laws: Mandate flexible working conditions, inclusive hiring practices, and enforceable anti-discrimination measures.
Leadership and Lived Experience: Ensure that neurodivergent voices are at the table when decisions are made in healthcare, education, and employment policies.
Transparency and Accountability: Develop clear, measurable outcomes to track progress and hold systems accountable for change.
Join Us in This Movement
We are not asking for sympathy or charity. We are demanding a fundamental shift in how society supports those who think, learn, and live differently.
Today, we refuse to be sidelined or silenced.
Today, we say loud and clear: The system must change.
Share your story: Your experience matters. Use the hashtag #FixTheSystem on social media to add your voice.
Get involved: Whether you’re a clinician, educator, policymaker, or ally, there are countless ways to contribute to this movement.
Support the cause: Spread the message, join our meetings, participate in campaigns, and help us build a network of change-makers.
Because when neurodivergent people are truly supported and understood, every part of society stands to benefit.
We are not broken. The system is.
It’s time to fix it—once and for all.
— Signed by The Neuro Inclusion Project & Advocates for Systemic Change
Revolutionising Mental Health Support
Empowering Neurodivergent Lives
The Neuro Inclusion Project is committed to transforming the landscape for neurodivergent individuals through our #FixTheSystem initiative. We recognise that the current support systems are fraught with inadequacies, leaving many without the necessary resources to thrive. Our objectives are clear: we aim to advocate for comprehensive policy changes that will address these shortcomings, enhance accessibility to vital services, and elevate public awareness around neurodiversity issues. By engaging in this essential conversation, we invite you to join us in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Get in Touch
At The Neuro Inclusion Project, we believe in the power of community and the importance of sharing experiences. Connect with us to express your thoughts and insights regarding neurodivergent support. This section features a straightforward contact form, allowing you to reach out with your opinions, questions, or suggestions. Your input is invaluable as we strive to raise awareness and foster change through our #FixTheSystem campaign. Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals. Please feel free to share your story or inquire further about our initiatives. We look forward to hearing from you.