Overview

• One in 50 UK students missed over half of their school year in 2022-23 due to school distress, primarily affecting neurodivergent children.
• Half of parents supporting children with school distress developed new mental health conditions, citing the experience as more stressful than serious personal illness.
• Nearly 78% of parents reported feeling blamed or doubted by school professionals, leading to widespread distrust and disempowerment.
• The study identifies systemic failures in inclusivity within UK education, with many educators seeking more training to better support affected students.
• Parents rely heavily on peer support networks and advocacy groups like Not Fine in School and Team Square Peg to navigate the challenges of school distress.