Is Richard Tice Getting It Wrong? - Ear Defenders, Labelling and Generations of Undiagnosed Neurodiversity

Today, in this slightly different episode, Cliff talks about something that hit a nerve with a lot of parents and teachers, and probably even with people who are neuro diverse that don't have kids - the comments Richard Tice from Reform UK, made about neuro divergent children and labelling. Cliff also welcomes his mum to the episode to share personal and family experiences of neurodivergence across generations. Interestingly, their discussion includes several new revelations – things they had not realised until today´s conversation. EPISODE REVEALS Accurate diagnosis is essential. Without these diagnostic “labels” it is impossible to provide or gain access to the tailored support neurodivergent children need to be able to learn and succeed in life. Withdrawing or stigmatising sensory tools like ear defenders, as Richard Tice has suggested, undermines the well-being of neurodivergent children by removing the very things that enable them to cope, learn and eventually thrive. Simply stating that 1000s of children have been misdiagnosed does not make it so. This attitude is creating a situation where people think leaving neurodivergent children to “just get on with it” is somehow acceptable. Looking back, knowing what they know now about autism and ADHD, Cliff and his mum can see that generations of the family were neurodivergent. Cliff’s mother needed to physically interact with letters, to touch and trace them, to understand their shapes and learn the alphabet. She was not allowed to do this, so struggled to learn to read. In the end, she worked out her own system and learned to read that way. BEST MOMENTS "Labels aren't the problem, the suffering without support and the misunderstanding and the uneducated opinions of other people is." "What Richard Tice is suggesting is a move back to what doesn't work. It hasn't worked for generations - it's time for change." "The education system doesn't spot it, and they just let them struggle. It's very sad." "She was told off for everything – even playtime." "She (Cliff´s grandmother) had to be in the corner with a dunce's hat on… and it happened at every school she went to." “Our children aren't a new problem. They're part of a long history of neurodivergent people who have been forced to cope without support.” RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!