Inclusion is about more than being invited into a space. It's about feeling welcome, understood and able to participate fully without having to hide who you are.
This National Inclusion Week, we’re reflecting on what neurodivergent young people across Humberside are telling us about safety, belonging and inclusion.
Through analysis of youth voice reports, surveys and engagement findings using Youth Connect, the message is clear: many neurodivergent young people face barriers that can leave them feeling excluded from activities, unsupported by services and unsafe in environments that others take for granted.
Listening to these experiences is essential if we want to create communities where all young people can thrive.
When inclusion feels out of reach
Many neurodivergent young people describe facing barriers that make participation more difficult.
Some told us that the lack of visible neurodivergent role models, particularly in areas such as sport and physical activity, can make them feel that activities are not designed for people like them.
Others spoke about what they describe as an "impossible situation" when trying to access support. Young people can find themselves waiting years for an assessment while simultaneously being told they cannot access specialist services because they do not yet have a formal diagnosis.
This can leave young people and families feeling as though they are being "pushed from pillar to post," with nobody taking responsibility for meeting their needs.
While many young people have positive experiences in education, some neurodivergent students reported feeling labelled as "naughty", "difficult" or a "problem" because attention was placed on their behaviour rather than understanding the reasons behind it. Others described rigid school rules, including uniform policies, causing distress because they did not take sensory needs into account.
These experiences matter because feeling misunderstood or excluded can affect confidence, wellbeing and trust in the adults who are there to help.
Safe spaces look different for different young people
The insights show that inclusion is closely linked to how safe a young person feels.
Many neurodivergent young people identified environments that feel unpredictable or overwhelming due to sensory triggers, unclear communication or social pressures.
Healthcare settings were a common example. Young people described acute wards and waiting rooms as stressful environments because of bright lights, loud noises and unfamiliar smells. Some said that medical professionals used technical language they did not understand or spoke primarily to parents rather than directly to them.
Schools were also highlighted as places that could feel unpredictable. Some young people reported inconsistent behaviour policies, ineffective responses to bullying and experiences that left them feeling singled out rather than supported.
Social media can amplify bullying and make it feel inescapable, while complex websites and online systems can make it difficult for neurodivergent young people to access information and support when they need it most.
For some young people, even social interactions can feel exhausting. Those experiencing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), for example, described spending significant amounts of time worrying about whether peers genuinely liked them or were simply pretending.
What helps young people feel included?
The encouraging news is that young people are also providing clear solutions. Many describe the importance of environments that are designed with sensory needs in mind. Simple adjustments can make a significant difference.
Young people said they feel more comfortable in spaces that include:
- Soft lighting
- Calm colours
- Quiet areas to recharge
- Sensory walls
- Specialist seating
- Private spaces when they feel overwhelmed
The availability of sensory aids was also frequently mentioned. Items such as ear defenders, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys can help young people manage overstimulation and feel more in control of their environment.
Young people consistently highlighted the importance of staff attitudes and understanding. They value adults who take time to listen, avoid assumptions and involve them directly in conversations about their lives.
Many also spoke positively about opportunities to shape services and activities themselves. Being treated as experts by experience and involved in the design of spaces, services and projects helped them feel valued and respected.
Inclusion is prevention
When young people feel disconnected from services, misunderstood in education, excluded from activities or unable to access support, vulnerabilities can increase.
By contrast, environments that are welcoming, accessible and responsive help build confidence, trust and positive relationships. Creating safer communities is not just about reducing risk. It is also about removing barriers, improving access and making sure that every young person feels they belong.
Turning youth voice into action
The insights in this blog come from the Youth Connect Gemini Notebook, which brings together youth voice reports, surveys and engagement findings from across the Humber region.
The Notebook allows practitioners, partners and decision-makers to ask questions in plain language and quickly access evidence-based insights into what young people are experiencing, feeling and recommending.
By identifying common themes and linking findings back to their original sources, the Notebook helps organisations better understand young people's experiences and use that evidence to inform services, policy and practice.
This National Inclusion Week, the voices of neurodivergent young people remind us that meaningful inclusion is not achieved by making young people fit into existing systems. It is achieved by listening, adapting and creating environments where every young person feels safe, respected and able to participate.
Want to explore what young people in Humberside are saying about inclusion, safety and belonging? Use Youth Connect to discover more insights.
