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Original poster

To not recognise Kemi Badenoch's views on ASD?

187 replies

Locutus2000 · 14/10/2024 15:22

The likely next leader of His Majesty's opposition

The Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has been criticised for a campaign pamphlet that said autistic people received “better treatment” and “economic privileges and protections”.

A pamphlet published by Badenoch’s campaign team at the Conservative party conference argued that conditions such as anxiety, as well as an autism diagnosis, had gone from something “people should work on themselves as individuals” to “something that society, schools, and employers have to adapt around”

I'd love to know what improved treatment and economic privileges I should be getting - maybe I forgot to apply.

What do Kemi supporters find attractive?

Badenoch criticised for pamphlet’s ‘stigmatising’ remarks on autism

Former cabinet colleague of Tory leadership candidate says ‘muddled’ campaign essay does not take ‘correct approach’

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/oct/14/kemi-badenoch-conservative-leadership-autism-campaign-pamphlet

OP posts:
NameChangeUser183794639 · 15/10/2024 16:44

Ilovetowander · 15/10/2024 16:31

@Vinvertebrate

My point is that it doesn't become a level playing field, what is happening is that schools have accommodated pupils with mild and more moderate needs. In the process of becoming more accessible those middle pupils are prirotiesd . If this country wants to improve then it needs its children to ensure that education for the middle group allows them to up their game. What has happened is that Ofsted have focused upon those with with additional needs so schools have given this group priority - maybe not all schools but certainly some.

They're really not prioritised.

The schools receive extra funding that the child often barely benefits from. Children with ASD or ADHD are often subject to weekly detentions and expulsions. Their self esteem is often damaged by it. That is actually more likely for the 'moderate to mildly' presenting in mainstream schools, as they are seen as being deliberately obstinate, non-engaging and confrontational instead of struggling. It's a huge scandal that some journalist needs to cover.

Many parents feel pushed into home educating as a last, desperate resort.

Vinvertebrate · 15/10/2024 16:46

@Ilovetowander I think you’ll find that those of us who have actually experienced getting reasonable adjustments for our children laugh hard at the idea that schools (let alone OFSTED FGS) prioritise them and their needs.

It sounds more like you/your DC is pipped off that someone with the protection of equalities legislation (because they’re disabled) uses it to get something that you/your DC can’t access (because they don’t need it). Shall we rip out the wheelchair ramps too, while we’re busy hobbling vulnerable children? That’s giving wheelchair users “priority” after all.

Ilovetowander · 15/10/2024 16:48

@NameChangeUser183794639
I disagree - the pressure that teachers are under to accommodate those with additional needs at many secondary schools is enormous, I accept that is does vary.

Ilovetowander · 15/10/2024 16:52

@Vinvertebrate
Not experience with my DC as I have one child with needs one no additional needs. However, I have school experience and therefore my experience is first hand and not born out of jealousy but from what I have seen.

Vinvertebrate · 15/10/2024 16:53

Who do you think is responsible for that “pressure” @Ilovetowander ? (Clue: it’s not the SEN DC, or their parents, or the school, or OFSTED).

Might it be the LA, who is ultimately responsible for the costs of educating SEN children (which increase exponentially if the child can’t remain in a LA-maintained mainstream school)?

Notonthestairs · 15/10/2024 16:58

Ilovetowander · 15/10/2024 16:31

@Vinvertebrate

My point is that it doesn't become a level playing field, what is happening is that schools have accommodated pupils with mild and more moderate needs. In the process of becoming more accessible those middle pupils are prirotiesd . If this country wants to improve then it needs its children to ensure that education for the middle group allows them to up their game. What has happened is that Ofsted have focused upon those with with additional needs so schools have given this group priority - maybe not all schools but certainly some.

What are these accommodations?

And how do they disadvantage non disabled pupils?

Soukmyfalafel · 15/10/2024 16:59

Begaydocrime94 · 15/10/2024 16:08

That's completely fair and I only mention it because all other mentions of her I've seen on here has been rapturous praise for her comments about trans people.

Show quote history

I find threads like those total echo chambers. It's a really weird club. I suppose you could say that about SEND threads, but people's comments tend to be grounded in experience rather than fears.

Soukmyfalafel · 15/10/2024 17:04

TheSnugHare · 15/10/2024 16:37

I think arguing that accommodations for autistic people with “mild” needs (not really such a thing) should be removed is like saying that people who can’t always walk should have their wheelchairs and mobility aids removed to fund fancy shoes and cars for abled bodied people because it’s “not fair”. This is a load of shit and I feel like we’re going backwards as a society

Agree with this. It's depressing when the source of the issue - a lack of funding in general - is ignored and people blame each other. How would that fix anything?

Paw5 · 15/10/2024 17:32

Ilovetowander · 15/10/2024 16:31

@Vinvertebrate

My point is that it doesn't become a level playing field, what is happening is that schools have accommodated pupils with mild and more moderate needs. In the process of becoming more accessible those middle pupils are prirotiesd . If this country wants to improve then it needs its children to ensure that education for the middle group allows them to up their game. What has happened is that Ofsted have focused upon those with with additional needs so schools have given this group priority - maybe not all schools but certainly some.

It couldn’t be more further from the truth and is the exact opposite

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 15/10/2024 18:19

@TheSnugHare I agree. I think we are.

Of course there's a Tory leadership election, so Badenoch is throwing out all her best lines to her adoring fans on the far right...

TooBigForMyBoots · 15/10/2024 19:25

marmaladeandpeanutbutter · 15/10/2024 18:19

@TheSnugHare I agree. I think we are.

Of course there's a Tory leadership election, so Badenoch is throwing out all her best lines to her adoring fans on the far right...

Well, Jenrick was ahead of her in the Petty minded cruelty to children at the taxpayer's expense, stakes. But he was only being performatively cruel to foreign children.

Kemi upped the ante.

Ilovetowander · 16/10/2024 11:30

@Paw5
I think it depends on the school to some extent

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