Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has strongly rejected recent remarks made by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice regarding the diagnosis of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in children. Mr. Dance described Mr. Tice’s claims of “over-diagnosis” as not only incorrect but deeply harmful to neurodiverse children and their families.
“Richard Tice’s suggestion that there is an ‘over-diagnosis’ crisis in SEND is both wrong and dangerous,” said Mr. Dance. “In reality, the crisis lies in too many children being missed, misunderstood, and left without necessary support for far too long.” He emphasized that many parents do not seek diagnoses out of trendiness but because their children genuinely struggle amid a failing system.
Mr. Dance, who personally has dyslexia and ADHD, explained how receiving a diagnosis has been transformative for him and countless children, providing clarity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. “To belittle or deny the importance of diagnosis causes real damage,” he added.
Highlighting the risk of regressing, Mr. Dance warned that Reform UK’s rhetoric threatens years of progress in inclusion and SEND provision, potentially leading back to a time when children with additional needs were punished, misunderstood, or excluded rather than supported.
He advocated for practical solutions including early screening, mandatory neurodiversity training for teachers, fair funding, and compassion — contrasting these with what he called divisive rhetoric that undermines vulnerable children.
Richard Tice, speaking at a Reform UK press conference, expressed concerns about what he calls a “crisis” of overdiagnosis. He suggested that schools and teachers should take charge of SEND support rather than relying on official diagnoses. He criticized practices such as children wearing ear defenders in class and questioned the necessity and cost of annual reviews for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which outline SEND support.
However, experts challenge Mr. Tice’s claims. Recent research highlights a growing financial crisis in SEND funding, with debts projected to reach £17.8 billion by 2029. More than half of councils fear bankruptcy when budget overrides end. Joey Nettleton Burrows from the National Autistic Society condemned the “overdiagnosis” narrative as false and harmful, stressing that parents are fighting a broken system, not exploiting it.
“Such misleading statements stigmatize autistic individuals and make life harder for them and their families,” Nettleton Burrows said, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure every SEND child receives appropriate support.