Autism Isn’t the Problem, The System Is: Dr Luke Beardon Explains Why
The Hidden 20%
Reducing anxiety as part of teaching
Luke argues teachers should lower students' arousal to improve learning and gives examples of permissive classroom practices.
In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Luke Beardon, they move from language and identity into the systems shaping autistic lives - classrooms, healthcare, and even the criminal justice system.
With over 30 years’ experience in autism education, Luke breaks down why inclusivity isn’t a “nice extra” but the foundation of genuine support, and why a one-size-fits-all approach consistently fails autistic people.
Luke shares his top three tips for supporting neurodivergent children in school, explores how the UK’s autism training compares globally, and offers a candid look at how medical and justice systems misunderstand autistic communication and behaviour.
This episode reframes what meaningful inclusion really looks like. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, misinterpreted, or pushed to fit into systems that don’t fit you or your brain, this conversation will help you make sense of it and remind you that the problem was never you.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
1:00 How Dr Luke Beardon Approaches Autism & Education: Why Inclusivity Matters
8:43 Understanding Life Through the Autistic Lens VS “One Size Fits All” Support
10:00 Dr Luke’s Top 3 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children in School
17:42 Neurodiversity History: Educating the Education System
19:55 Autism Training in the UK: What Medical Professionals Are (Not) Taught
27:57 How the UK’s Autism Understanding Compares to Other Countries
29:13 Autism & the Criminal Justice System: What Needs to Change
36:52 The One Belief Luke Would Change About Autism in Society
37:24 Luke’s Green Dot Badge
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
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Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Dr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldluke
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
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