Fund mandatory neurodevelopmental screening for all children
Screening could take place in primary care, including GP appointments, health visitor reviews, and school entry health at key developmental stages. It should involve early, trauma-informed, and identity-safe screening tools, with clear referral pathways, follow-up support, and outcomes monitored.
Signatures
29,405
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 29,405/100,000
- 01 FEB 2026Petition closedFinal total: 29,405 signatures
- 28 JAN 2026Government respondedDepartment of Health and Social CareGovernment reply
The government recognises the need for early intervention and support for children. At present the evidence does not support neurodevelopmental screening for all children.
Read full response - 30 DEC 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 01 AUG 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
We think mandatory neurodevelopmental screening could mean:
• Earlier recognition of children who need support
• Better outcomes in school, home, and mental health
• A shift from crisis response to prevention.
We believe Parliament must act now to protect future generations from preventable harm. Neurodivergent children deserve to be seen — not after a crisis, but from the start.