Ofsted Faces Criticism Over Training Manual Tying Autistic Children to Extremism

A training manual used by Ofsted, the regulatory body overseeing education standards in England, has been criticized for suggesting that children with autism are at higher risk of being susceptible to extremism. The manual alleges that these children are more likely to develop special interests, which can make them vulnerable to radical ideas. This assertion has been met with frustration and concern from the National Autistic Society and a human rights organization, who argue that such language could unfairly stigmatize autistic children. Ofsted has defended its training manual, stating that it aims to equip inspectors with a greater understanding of the various circumstances in which children might be vulnerable to extremist ideologies. About a quarter of individuals receiving deradicalization support from the gov

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jun/10/ofsted-training-manual-criticised-autistic-children-extremism-prevent