Temporary accommodation in England is torture' for neurodivergent children, report finds

"Neurodivergent children living in temporary accommodation (TA) in England are subjected to conditions that amount to torture, and the harm it causes them is psychologically excruciating and a form of child cruelty, a report has found."

"Parents told researchers their neurodivergent children had become withdrawn or hypervigilant because of chronic uncertainty, restricted space, lack of outdoor access, unsafe environments and the removal of familiar supports. The pace and frequency of moves between different TA spaces is overwhelming for neurodivergent children, resulting in a semi-permanent state of meltdown, the report says."

"Between April and June 2025 in England there were 172,420 children living in TA, short-term housing provided by local councils for people experiencing homelessness, which can include hotels, hostels, B&Bs or private rentals. The number of people in TA has soared in recent years as the housing crisis and cost of living has pushed more families into precarious living situations."

Neurodivergent children in temporary accommodation in England experience severe psychological harm and cruelty. Chronic uncertainty, restricted space, lack of outdoor access, unsafe environments and removal of familiar supports lead to withdrawal, hypervigilance and overwhelming distress. Frequent moves between different temporary accommodation spaces create constant instability and a semi-permanent state of meltdown for many children. Between April and June 2025, 172,420 children lived in temporary accommodation in England, with families commonly staying for years—an average of 4.5 years. The housing crisis and rising cost of living have driven more families into precarious housing, intensifying harm to neurodivergent children.

Read at www.theguardian.com