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Southport Inquiry report highlights failures and misunderstanding of autism

170 replies

ProudAmberTurtle · 13/04/2026 14:03

The Phase 1 report from the Southport Inquiry is out has found the attack "could and should have been prevented".

It was "highly likely" it wouldn't have happened if agencies and the killer's own parents had actually done their jobs over the years. Catastrophic failures everywhere - police, mental health services, social services, schools - all passing the buck, losing information and refusing to take ownership of the risk this boy posed.

But the bit that really jumped out at me is this: a "misunderstanding of autism" meant his violent, dangerous behaviour was wrongly blamed on his autism spectrum disorder.

Instead of treating the clear warning signs of murderous intent as the serious red flags they were, everyone just shrugged and said "it's his autism" and did nothing. No proper risk assessment, no real intervention, no one stepping up.

Neurodiversity / mental health services were so terrified of "stigmatising" or "criminalising" autism that they ended up enabling actual danger to everyone else.

The parents also apparently let weapons be delivered to the house and didn't report crucial things in the days before.

OP posts:
Warmlight1 · 14/04/2026 10:25

loislovesstewie · 14/04/2026 09:58

I think you misunderstand my point.if we permanently detained people who had committed no offence as such but clearly couldn't live in the community then I'm convinced that someone would start to invoke human rights. But some people really can't live in the community and, at one time, that was understood. We no longer have psychiatric hospitals which are effectively homes for life. We used to, there was one in the town where I was born, it was sold by the heath authority, it's now very upmarket apartments.

Edited

Everything wants their human rights considered. People who are incarcerated should have their human rights considered. Us having decided 'they can't live in the community' should be boundaried by law don't you think? Otherwise we could just lock up.people randomly and the conditions would be grim.

Warmlight1 · 14/04/2026 10:26

loislovesstewie · 14/04/2026 09:58

I think you misunderstand my point.if we permanently detained people who had committed no offence as such but clearly couldn't live in the community then I'm convinced that someone would start to invoke human rights. But some people really can't live in the community and, at one time, that was understood. We no longer have psychiatric hospitals which are effectively homes for life. We used to, there was one in the town where I was born, it was sold by the heath authority, it's now very upmarket apartments.

Edited

But I agree about the lack of facility.

BlooomUnleashed · 14/04/2026 10:31

ND people (and small people) are still people (also applies to the childhood/teenage/young adult stage).

We can be lovely, lovely but annoying, less lovely but not annoying, really unlovely, just deeply annoying, or fucking horrible.

In my ADHD group (obviously self selecting, nobody gets ordered to go there) the majority of us are somewhere on the lovely-lovely but annoying scale. Depending on how we are doing that day. Most of us have had a “deeply annoying” day, or period of time, in our lives. But it’s not where most of us sit, most of the time.

However, some members are utter cunts. They bully, they blame everyone in the universe (and the universe) but themselves, are under the impression the world ought to to bend itself around their “needs” (regardless of any needs the rest of the world may have) and think the rest of us (including those of us with the same ND condition) just need to suck up their “dysregulation” regardless of the current status of our own regulation and well-being. Not all of them are on the younger side, and not all the younger ones are in that slice of membership. But it does lean younger. Attitudes towards ND conditions, as they came up through the education systems, may play a part in how they ended up in that slice.

PEOPLE are/have ND conditions. Conditions do not walk around in a skin suit, so amazingly enough those of us with ND conditions are very diverse. In terms of personality, character, upbringing, embracing self improvement, willingness to shape our lives ourselves in order to live better without treading on other people ….all the things everybody does regardless of their own personal “life rain” and crap cards in the hand they were dealt by nature and nurture.

There has to be a point where actions that self harm or harm others (emotionally, mentally & physically) need to be managed for their own sake, not wafted away as a symptom that must be tolerated no matter the cost to the collateral damage, who are also humans with wants and needs.

I don’t think anybody benefits from the current system of forcing square pegs into round holes, and then telling all the other pegs that, no matter the flying splinters they get hit by, they should keep prioritising a condition over their own well being, stability and safety.

Not all square pegs fit tidily into a fairly standard square hole either. Some square pegs might be hexagons, octagons or very Picasso inspired upon closer inspection beyond the original diagnosis. Which might mean a few need a very personalised hole, depending on their needs and the desire to reduce any unintended collateral damage for other people. (large or tiny)

springtimefan · 14/04/2026 10:37

Warmlight1 · 14/04/2026 09:11

And as you've highlighted the difference is scale. I'm not sure toddlers pushing results in removal depends on the type of push surely? Context? Were they provoked? Was it an older child? Toddler could get a little over exited? After all adults push in a queue sometimes. People tailgate on roads. Can result in an accident. Doesn't result in removal often.
Your point is you would act. But at some point presumably go back. What if it doesn't then resolve? You might start thinking the soft play isn't right for my child. Seek out opportunities where there are less triggers. Toddler gets a bit older and it doesn't resolve - you might appreciate someone alongside you. A diagnosis. Something that explains the difference between your child and others because you are parenting well. However Escalating punishments and exclusions are not working and they are feeling like they are permanently bad. And that's at 5.
So you find the inclusive environment which is just right for your child and they still feel they are getting it wrong- and can't cope because other children do not seem to be struggling- and can't express that- can't quite manage the transition immediately- they feel they have failled- at 5- more behaviour-
What do you do? Keep taking them out of places? Keep them in? What then?
There is lots of short sharp shock treatment dialogue. No one talks about the long term trajectory. Which can actually be quite optimistic with the right approaches and support. But it's tiring.

I think this is an excellent post, actually.

VariousPears · 14/04/2026 10:37

HortiGal · 14/04/2026 08:23

@Fundays12
I agree, never known a ND child to be a bully, I had similar with my son being targeted.
These comments are infuriating and insulting.

You've never known but I've seen it within my own family. ND preteen is a bully (physically and verbally). The child has a strong sense of justice and is extremely empathetic towards the earth and animals. But doesn't see attacking younger, more vulnerable, family members as within same realm of everything they stands for otherwise. This child has a hard time regulating their emotions, so regular meltdowns. They are also suffering. But most things are hidden from the world because they mask very well outside of comfortable environments (and it's why we only see the negative behaviours with younger family members- my own DC included).

The diagnosis element isn't being blamed here, but it explains a hellavalot, which results in more empathy and understanding of the child. Also, results in family being more proactive about protecting others. Parents! You know when other parents decline your sleepover invitation, count it as a blessing/consider there might be another reason why 😫

Pricelessadvice · 14/04/2026 10:45

Chocaholick · 13/04/2026 22:02

I’ve been warning about this for years now but I’ve been called ‘ableist’ yada yada

Neurodiversity is a very dangerous concept which has allowed all kinds of criminal or red flag behaviour to be excused away

And it’s going to get a lot worse. A lot worse.

100% agree and I am diagnosed as Asperger’s (when that was a recognised term, obviously).

We need to stop using ND as an excuse for poor behaviour and stop pussy-footing around what is happening to our society as a result of this explosion in people being diagnosed.
I never used to be ashamed of my diagnosis, but I am now embarrassed to think I might get lumped into a category of people who demand adjustments be made for them and behave like rules don’t apply to them. It’s not a badge of honour that you can wear as a trump card to excuse you from the normal social construct, or to behave violently.
It’s a set of characteristics that make you what you are- a human being. And the aim should be that ALL human beings are raised knowing right from wrong.

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 14/04/2026 10:46

HortiGal · 14/04/2026 08:23

@Fundays12
I agree, never known a ND child to be a bully, I had similar with my son being targeted.
These comments are infuriating and insulting.

DD1 had SEN and was always in specialist speech and language provision from age 4. She was bullied by boys with autism from age 4 - 17.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 14/04/2026 10:48

Like the Tate modern incident

pinkpostitnote · 14/04/2026 10:50

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 14/04/2026 10:46

DD1 had SEN and was always in specialist speech and language provision from age 4. She was bullied by boys with autism from age 4 - 17.

This is the issue with the idea of an “ND child.”

there’s no such thing in reality. The term neurodiverse is made up. It’s not a diagnosis. It’s just a term to describe additional needs that aren’t physical.

By the current societal standards of “neurodiversity” the vast majority of people (mainly men) in prison are “neurodivergent.” They absolutely can and do bully people.

Dollymylove · 14/04/2026 11:04

The so called "Care in the community" is an absolute disaster. How many innocents going about their business have been attacked/murdered by people who should be in secure accommodation?
Why do others have to be assaulted/bullied /have their mental health ruined by someone who is out of control, protected by their "human rights" and fuck everyone else's rights.
The old fashioned institutions should be brought back to protect the innocent. Until this happens others will suffer the same fate, sadly

climbintheback · 14/04/2026 11:08

How many more wandering around like ticking time bombs.

SeriousFaffing · 14/04/2026 11:09

It’s unbelievable. I don’t have many words beyond that. His parents allowed weapons to be delivered to the house and didn’t report it. I don’t want to weigh the blame entirely on them in the way that others are keen to but that fact alone is condemning. His obsessions with violence and weapons being absorbed into the bubble of ‘autism’ was reckless and lazy on everyone’s part.

I am from Southport. There’s barely a day that goes by that I don’t think of those girls while my soul aches for them and their families. And for the adults who were there, witnessed it, but couldn’t stop him.

For that reason I am enraged when I see a child in my extended family, who is autistic, allowed to be unattended in his room all day, playing violent video games and with access to the internet. He has an obsession with weapons and calls himself the ‘alpha’ of the family. He doesn’t go to school, nor is there any effort to make him. The authorities are bad mouthed and treated with disdain, and in response to his behaviour, it’s simply a case of ‘well, the school has done nothing’ (when he’s never there!). This, in my opinion, is another case of recklessness and laziness allowing his situation to be absorbed into the autistic bubble.

frozendaisy · 14/04/2026 11:14

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 14/04/2026 10:46

DD1 had SEN and was always in specialist speech and language provision from age 4. She was bullied by boys with autism from age 4 - 17.

For example. And there are many others, unfortunately, who are subjected to bullying and violence from ND children. How many of those parents do nothing about it because they say they can’t? Or it’s too difficult? They want an easier life at home so let other children take the hit time and time again. Just like parents of NT children.

I don’t know or care if the children my sons hit back were ND or NT, they were young themselves, they were reacting to behaviour towards them (actually not only them they also smacked a couple of lads when they went after girls - we were quite impressed with that there should be more willing to make a stance).

It doesn’t matter ND/NT in relation to behaviour and how much of a risk a child is to others. Their parents need to be held accountable. Like if your teenager has had previous incidents of violent behaviour letting them amass a bunch of knives, poison and machetes isn’t going to help is it?

If your child shows at risk tendencies they need to be monitored, what they look at online needs to be monitored, when they leave the house search them, who are they friends with, where are they going, how are they getting there, they need more parental monitoring not less.

Dollymylove · 14/04/2026 11:18

climbintheback · 14/04/2026 11:08

How many more wandering around like ticking time bombs.

That is the problem. They walk among us. Like the Nottingham stabber, although he had the benefit (like AR) of having the authorities not wanting to discriminate because hes black. So free to go out and murder innocent people 😡

frozendaisy · 14/04/2026 11:26

SeriousFaffing · 14/04/2026 11:09

It’s unbelievable. I don’t have many words beyond that. His parents allowed weapons to be delivered to the house and didn’t report it. I don’t want to weigh the blame entirely on them in the way that others are keen to but that fact alone is condemning. His obsessions with violence and weapons being absorbed into the bubble of ‘autism’ was reckless and lazy on everyone’s part.

I am from Southport. There’s barely a day that goes by that I don’t think of those girls while my soul aches for them and their families. And for the adults who were there, witnessed it, but couldn’t stop him.

For that reason I am enraged when I see a child in my extended family, who is autistic, allowed to be unattended in his room all day, playing violent video games and with access to the internet. He has an obsession with weapons and calls himself the ‘alpha’ of the family. He doesn’t go to school, nor is there any effort to make him. The authorities are bad mouthed and treated with disdain, and in response to his behaviour, it’s simply a case of ‘well, the school has done nothing’ (when he’s never there!). This, in my opinion, is another case of recklessness and laziness allowing his situation to be absorbed into the autistic bubble.

Edited

This is so concerning @SeriousFaffing
What happens when hormones kick in and he wants sex? Whose son/daughter is going to have to bear the brunt of that fallout?

SeriousFaffing · 14/04/2026 11:30

frozendaisy · 14/04/2026 11:26

This is so concerning @SeriousFaffing
What happens when hormones kick in and he wants sex? Whose son/daughter is going to have to bear the brunt of that fallout?

@frozendaisy

I have had exactly the same thoughts.

When new info about the situation comes to light, it makes me so angry and I end up saying “someone, somewhere is going to suffer the consequences of this one day!!”.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel able to run my mouth outside of my family unit - and have to be careful even then as the response can get a bit touchy.

Fundays12 · 14/04/2026 11:40

Warmlight1 · 14/04/2026 10:25

Everything wants their human rights considered. People who are incarcerated should have their human rights considered. Us having decided 'they can't live in the community' should be boundaried by law don't you think? Otherwise we could just lock up.people randomly and the conditions would be grim.

It always seems to me human rights of perpetrators of crimes are more important than the victims rights now.

Fundays12 · 14/04/2026 11:43

BlueandWhitePorcelain · 14/04/2026 10:46

DD1 had SEN and was always in specialist speech and language provision from age 4. She was bullied by boys with autism from age 4 - 17.

I am sorry to read this but autism or not the boys behaviour was unacceptable and should have been addressed.

Dollymylove · 14/04/2026 12:01

I recommend martial arts/self defence classes for youngsters to protect themselves. I think its needed with whats going on nowadays. My grandchild started Tai Kwondo age 5, now 11 and blue belt now.
It instils confidence and how to protect themselves. Anyone trying to bully my GC only ever tried it once

EasternStandard · 14/04/2026 12:11

Fundays12 · 14/04/2026 11:40

It always seems to me human rights of perpetrators of crimes are more important than the victims rights now.

It seems that way probably because we shouldn’t be seeing what happened and everything led to it.

38thparallel · 14/04/2026 12:42

They cannot recruit psychiatrists.

@Anonymouse27 Is this because there isn’t funding or because psychiatrists don’t want to do this work?

38thparallel · 14/04/2026 12:44

Samantha Steed is the name of the person who pressured the HT to strike out of her report than she felt he was dangerous. Samantha Steeds opinion was he shouldn't be "stereotyped as a black boy with a knife", thus condemning 3 little girls being murdered in cold blood.

Will Samantha Steed face any consequences?

pinkpostitnote · 14/04/2026 12:50

frozendaisy · 14/04/2026 11:26

This is so concerning @SeriousFaffing
What happens when hormones kick in and he wants sex? Whose son/daughter is going to have to bear the brunt of that fallout?

The thing is that the right intervention CAN make a difference.

Well over a decade ago my setting had an autistic child like this who was too difficult to attend school.

Many years later he graduated secondary school with all sorts of awards for making SUCH huge progress. But it was definitely multi agency support. Full action plan. Internet cut etc.

SeriousFaffing · 14/04/2026 12:53

38thparallel · 14/04/2026 12:44

Samantha Steed is the name of the person who pressured the HT to strike out of her report than she felt he was dangerous. Samantha Steeds opinion was he shouldn't be "stereotyped as a black boy with a knife", thus condemning 3 little girls being murdered in cold blood.

Will Samantha Steed face any consequences?

@38thparallel it seems appropriate to add the words of the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie here.

“We call for immediate action, clear accountability and real change, not simply reassurances that ‘lessons have been learned’”

Dollymylove · 14/04/2026 12:58

38thparallel · 14/04/2026 12:44

Samantha Steed is the name of the person who pressured the HT to strike out of her report than she felt he was dangerous. Samantha Steeds opinion was he shouldn't be "stereotyped as a black boy with a knife", thus condemning 3 little girls being murdered in cold blood.

Will Samantha Steed face any consequences?

I wouldnt hold my breath
Although her name is now out there in the public domain.......