ATTITUDES
do not develop in isolation
They are created by the systems we rely on, the information we receive,
and the expectations we are taught to believe are “normal”.
This is how misunderstanding becomes judgement and influences treatment.
How they are formed
SENDist attitudes are neither random nor rare.
They are produced and reinforced by the same forces that shape systems and influence decision-making:
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Normative expectations
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The Medical Model
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Double Empathy
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Sciolism​
Together, these influence how neurodivergent people are understood, interpreted and treated. They reinforce expectations, assumptions and social judgement.
How distress appears
When neurodivergent differences are not properly understood, they are misinterpreted and unfairly judged.
People with SEND may be seen as:​​​​
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difficult
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disruptive
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incapable
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non-compliant
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in need of fixing
These labels are not neutral, they influence and
shape how people are seen as well as treated.
Why judgement occurs
When just one way of understanding is adopted as
the standard, it enables and encourages difference to be interpreted as wrong. Assumptions form quickly when understanding is limited, over time these judgements
are normalised within the systems we all use and the everyday interactions we all have with each other.
The impact on individuals
Judgement affects how people are treated, supported and included. Assumptions can influence expectations, reduce understanding and shape opportunities across education, work and everyday life. Over time, this pressure often leads to people having to mask, withdraw from a situation or people to avoid negative judgement.
CULTURAL & GENERATIONAL
Differences in understanding
Understanding of neurodivergence varies widely across cultures and generations.
In some contexts, differences may be misunderstood, dismissed or stigmatised;
resulting in individuals being judged, shamed or isolated for being themselves.
When understanding is limited, support is often replaced with expectation
and difference becomes something to hide rather than recognise.
Attitudes will not change until the systems shaping them change.
When difference is misunderstood, people are judged..
​When systems change, understanding can improve and fairer treatment can follow.
In school, in work, in society, in life.