We’re pleased to see the publication of “It’s like torture: Life in Temporary Accommodation for neurodivergent children and their families”, a new report based on a UK-wide call for evidence examining the experiences of homeless neurodivergent children and their families living in Temporary Accommodation.
The report identifies a consistent theme across submissions from parents and practitioners: Temporary Accommodation is causing significant harm to neurodivergent children, with some families describing the experience as “like torture”. It documents profound mental and physical health impacts, serious concerns around space, safety and safeguarding, and major barriers to accessing education and appropriate SEN support. The research also highlights the instability caused by frequent moves and the practical difficulties families face while living in Temporary Accommodation, alongside clear gaps requiring further investigation.
Members of our Housing team, Claire Wiles, Thea Grattidge, Luke Sheldon and Clémence Coignard played an active role in this UK-wide research, contributing legal expertise and practical insight drawn from their work supporting families in Temporary Accommodation.
This important work is led by Sensory Lives in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Households in Temporary Accommodation, Shared Health Foundation, Justlife and Autistica, and has already received national attention, including coverage in The Guardian.
We’re pleased that our team’s practical housing law expertise has helped inform research that supports evidence-based change in this area.
You can read the full report below.
