Teachers warn pushy parents will exploit new ADHD school support rules and leave vulnerable children behind

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026.

Experts are warning that plans to give pupils ADHD and autism support in schools without a formal diagnosis risk benefiting children with well-connected parents while leaving the most vulnerable behind. Professor Peter Fonagy's 600-page review, published on Friday, calls for schools to make reasonable adjustments based on need rather than diagnosis. Teachers say funding shortages already limit what they can deliver, and fear the shift could widen inequality rather than close it.

School leader Anne Heavey warned children whose families cannot advocate for them risk being 'missed out or left behind' under the new approach.

A separate warning emerged that ADHD drugs such as Ritalin carry serious cardiac risks, after charity Cardiac Risk In The Young called for heart screening before prescribing.