Inclusive education needs a roadmap, not just a destination. What if the diagnosis was just the starting line?
Imagine planning a journey with a clear destination in mind. You pack your bags, gather your energy, and set off—only to find there is no road, no map, and no signs to guide you. For many families of neurodivergent children in Thailand, this is a familiar experience as they navigate health systems, education, and career opportunities.
As the Bangkok Post reports, children with developmental and mental disabilities still face major barriers in Thailand: a shortage of inclusive schools, rigid entry criteria like mandatory PWD cards obtained after clinical diagnosis, and a shortage of specialist staff. These issues too often leave families unsupported and children excluded — not because of their potential, but because of how society chooses to see them.
At Steps, we listen to families and walk alongside them. Many have shared stories that reflect a common theme: a desire for supportive systems that build confidence, create opportunities and make progress visible. Our 2024 white paper ‘Empowering Caregivers’ found that when families receive clear information and compassionate support early on, they are more likely to recognise and nurture their children’s strengths.
‘There are many judgements in Thailand that cause families to believe their children are not capable. Before discussing education or employment, we must talk about belief.’
— Yim Minchainant, Head of Education, Steps
Hear the voices of our community
This video captures the insights and experiences of caregivers across Thailand, echoing the strength, belief, and shared journeys highlighted in our story.
‘There are so many judgments in Thailand to make you believe that the child with special needs cannot do anything […] We have to channel our perception first. To believe first.’ (Caregiver FG8M)
— a sentiment shared by families in Thailand and highlighted in a PLOS ONE study titled ‘Capable of much more’ led by Dr Drew B. Mallory. This research revealed urgent gaps in Thailand’s diagnostic journey for neurodivergent children: inaccessible services, high costs, long waitlists, and minimal post-diagnosis support.
In response, Steps has launched the Communicating Disability with Empathy Project, beginning with the formation of a national Steering Committee. The project promotes the social model of disability and will work with healthcare, education, and therapy providers and families to co-develop tools and guidelines, enabling smoother transitions from education to employment.
In 2025, the initiative will review literature on diagnosis in Thailand and conduct focus groups with families and professionals. This approach creates space for shared understanding, turning the point of diagnosis into a moment of connection and direction. From this foundation, families are better prepared to explore inclusive education, training, and work.
The senator Charnnarong Phanrungroj’s proposal to increase the public sector employment quota from 1 in 100 to 2 in 100 is a commendable and timely step towards greater inclusion. However, meaningful preparation for inclusive workplaces begins well before employment. It starts with accessible diagnosis, supportive conversations that highlight potential, inclusive learning environments that celebrate difference, and systems that grow with the people they serve.
At Steps, we are building this continuum. We offer training for caregivers, support for schools, and inclusive employment models that demonstrate what is possible when people are given the tools to thrive. We partner with organisations across Asia that are committed to walking this path together.
‘We are not only discussing inclusion, we are laying the groundwork to make it happen. And we are calling on others to join us in building a future where everyone has a clear path forward.’
— Max Simpson, CEO and Founder, Steps
A diagnosis should be a compass, not a barrier. With the right tools, inclusive language and family-friendly resources, we can help families move forward with clarity and confidence. Because every young person deserves a road to walk—and a future to reach.
This national conversation is long overdue. We stand ready to partner with public sectors, policymakers, schools, and companies that want to turn vision into impact.
Steps works across the education-to-employment journey. Through our training centres, inclusive schools partnerships, and social businesses, we equip neurodivergent individuals with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Our consulting team supports employers across Asia to build inclusive hiring strategies and workplace adjustments that go beyond compliance to genuine belonging.
For more info: please visit us at stepscommunity.com/our-services/inclusion-consulting