ADHD campaigner Ryan Swain raises concerns over SEND reform in Parliament

Ryan Swain, an award-winning entertainer, speaker and campaigner, was invited to appear as a panellist at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for ADHD, sharing lived experience and calling for urgent improvements in support, awareness and early understanding.

The event, held in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons, was chaired by Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt, Chair of the APPG for ADHD, and brought together senior political and healthcare voices including Dr Zubir Ahmed, Labour MP for Glasgow South-West and Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care.

The panel also featured key figures from across the ADHD and neurodiversity space, including representatives from Keys Health and ADHD 360, alongside advocates, clinicians and individuals with lived experience. Contributors included Natasha Davies (Research, policy and innovation director at Keys Health), Mike Aldridge (chief operating officer at Keys Health), Dr Samantha Hiew (founder of ADHD Girls), Maxine Laceby (co-founder of Absolute Collagen), and Richard and Christine Lock of the Matthew Lock ADHD Charity, as well as Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance, who shared his own lived experience of ADHD and dyslexia.

Ryan’s appearance in Parliament comes off the back of a powerful 3 month voluntary tour, where he has been travelling across England delivering his “You, Me & ADHD” campaign directly into schools and communities. Speaking to students, teachers and families, the tour has focused on breaking down misconceptions, improving understanding and giving real life insight into ADHD.

Through this work, Ryan has witnessed first-hand the realities many families are facing, including long waiting times for diagnosis, lack of early support and increasing pressure on both education and home life.

Speaking during the panel, he highlighted how many young people are still being misunderstood, with some masking in school environments while struggling outside of them, and others waiting years for the support they need.

He stressed that ADHD is not just an education or health issue, but a wider system challenge that requires earlier intervention, better awareness and more consistent support.

Ryan said the invitation to speak in Parliament was an important opportunity to represent those who are often not heard.

He said too many children and families are still being left to struggle without the right support, and that change needs to start with understanding.

Through his ongoing campaign work, Ryan continues to push for practical, everyday changes that can make a real difference, from improved awareness in schools to creating environments where neurodivergent individuals feel supported and able to thrive.

With ADHD assessment waiting times continuing to rise across the UK, his message is clear that change cannot wait.

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