Ofsted, England's education safeguarding body, is facing criticism for an "offensive" training manual that claims autistic children are "at increased risk of being susceptible to extremism" due to special interests and social isolation. This disclosure comes amid concerns over the rising number of autistic children referred to the government's Prevent deradicalisation program.
Ofsted criticised over training manual linking autistic children to extremism
OfstedAutismPrevent strategySpecial educational needsSchoolsSocietyEnglandUK
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Ofsted, England's education safeguarding body, is facing criticism for an "offensive" training manual that claims autistic children are "at increased risk of being susceptible to extremism" due to special interests and social isolation. This disclosure comes amid concerns over the rising number of autistic children referred to the government's Prevent deradicalisation program.
Trending- 1 9/11: Prevent program created.
- 2 2018: Lloyd Gunton sentenced.
- 3 2021: Internal Home Office analysis found high number of autistic people in Channel program.
- 4 2024: "Inspection Safeguarding Session – Prevent Extract 2024" document used.
- 5 Last Monday (prior to publication): Yvette Cooper expressed worry about doubling of young people referred to Prevent.
- 6 Present: Ofsted criticized for training manual.
- Stigmatization of autistic traits
- Potential for direct and illegal discrimination
- Increased over-policing of autistic children
- Inappropriate referrals to Prevent
- Lasting negative consequences for autistic individuals and families
What: Ofsted, the body responsible for safeguarding in education in England, is being criticized for a training manual that links autistic children to an increased risk of extremism, citing their "special interests" and social isolation. This has sparked concerns from the National Autistic Society and Rights and Security International, especially given the rising number of autistic children referred to the Prevent deradicalisation program.
When: Published June 10, 2025; Last Monday (Yvette Cooper's statement); 2024 (Prevent Extract document); 2021 (internal Home Office analysis); 9/11 (Prevent created).
Where: England, UK.
Why: The manual's wording is seen as oversimplifying a complex issue, stigmatizing autistic traits, and potentially leading to inappropriate referrals and discrimination against autistic children.
How: Ofsted's training manual, "Inspection Safeguarding Session – Prevent Extract 2024," instructs inspectors that autistic children are more susceptible to extremism due to their special interests and social communication needs, leading them to trust online "friends" and information.