Modern Slavery and neurodiversity
Claire Walford
Neurodiversity enriches our communities with diverse strengths and perspectives. However, for some, neurodivergence can create unique vulnerabilities and a greater risk of exploitation and abuse.
There is very little official data on the overlap between neurodivergence, modern slavery and exploitation. In fact, the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) does not currently take special education needs and disabilities (SEND) into account so it is impossible to know the scale of the issue. However, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting a high proportion of NRM cases involve children with SEND.
One report - based on research conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Portsmouth in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and funded by The Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), speaks of missed opportunities for early intervention, a lack of training and the absence of a national prevention strategy specifically addressing SEND-related vulnerabilities.
Common vulnerabilities
Children and young people with SEND often experience higher rates of poverty, social and school exclusion, isolation, bullying and discrimination. They are also over-represented in the care system and face particular challenges when housed in unregulated accommodation. All these factors combined with high levels of unmet needs, school refusal and generally a lack of empowerment and agency, can lead to an increased risk of exploitation
The exploitation can vary but could include cuckooing, labour exploitation, county lines or forced begging. In every case, vulnerabilities and personality traits common to neurodivergent or SEND people are taken advantage of.
Why are neurodivergent young people targeted by offenders?
Wolverhampton Safeguarding has created a helpful list of 11 reasons why neurodivergent people are particularly susceptible to grooming, manipulation, coersion and exploitatation:
- Dependency and Vulnerability: SEND children may rely on others for support, making them easier to manipulate.
- Difficulty Recognising Danger: They may struggle to identify harmful situations or behaviour.
- Social Isolation: A lack of social connections makes them more susceptible to manipulation.
- Communication Challenges: Difficulty expressing or understanding harmful situations can prevent disclosure of abuse.
- Trusting Nature: Their heightened trust can be exploited by offenders.
- Limited Ability to Defend Themselves: Physical or cognitive challenges can hinder self-protection.
- Understanding of Consent: They may not fully grasp or express discomfort or unwillingness.
- Lack of Awareness: Teachers and caregivers might miss signs of abuse or exploitation.
- Exploitation for Gain: Offenders may target SEND children for financial or other exploitation.
- Limited Support: A lack of resources or protective systems makes them more vulnerable.
- Not being seen as sexual beings: Lack of awareness that neurodivergent and SEND people want relationships.
Safer Devon, Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership and Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership has created a similar list as part of its Preventing Exploitation Toolkit. We would recommend reading the toolkit in full – it is an excellent resource.
If you’re worried about your child, speak to people in safeguarding at your school, church or social services. They can signpost you to support and help you know what to do. You can also call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 - they can provide guidance, help you understand what you might be witnessing, and refer you to suitable support.
