An ADHD campaigner from Ryedale has delivered a powerful call for greater awareness at a meeting in Westminster.
Ryan Swain from Malton attended an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) meeting at the House of Commons focused on the Government’s proposed SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) reforms.
He said: "Throughout the discussions, there was a strong focus on structures and funding, which are important.
"But there was very little mention of the children themselves, not those diagnosed, their parents and not those waiting, and not those trying to navigate mainstream classrooms without understanding what ADHD actually is.
"Inclusion isn’t just about policies, EHCPs or budgets. It’s about awareness, understanding and giving children the tools to understand themselves and each other.
"That’s where real change starts.”
Mr Swain has since been invited to return to Parliament for a dedicated ADHD event, chaired by MP Jo Platt, where he will share more of his personal story and continue pressing for change.
He said: "I don’t do this for recognition.
"I do it because families are still struggling, children are still being misunderstood, and the system still isn’t working the way it should.
"If we can influence change at this level, then we have a real opportunity to improve lives."
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