It’s like torture: Life in Temporary Accommodation for neurodivergent children and their families

This report – based on a UK‑wide call for evidence – highlights a striking and deeply consistent theme: parents and practitioners working with families describe the experiences of homeless neurodivergent children living in Temporary Accommodation as harmful, and in some cases “like torture.” Drawing on submissions from across the country, the report documents the profound mental and physical health impacts of Temporary Accommodation on neurodivergent children and their families; the challenges posed by inadequate space, safety, and safeguarding; and the significant barriers to accessing education and appropriate SEN support. It also illuminates the difficulties families face in navigating the practicalities of Temporary Accommodation while frequently on the move, and identifies key research gaps that require further exploration. The report concludes by outlining a set of clear policy asks and next steps to drive urgently needed change. Sensory Lives lead this work in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Households in Temporary Accommodation, Shared Health Foundation, Justlife, and Autistica.

2026

Beyond minimum standards in conversion and retrofit: Designing Temporary Accommodation that works for neurodivergent children and their families

This guidance note takes the findings of the Sensory Lives project and translates it into practical recommendations for housing practitioners, managers, commissioners and policymakers involved in the development, procurement and management of Temporary Accommodation. It is intended as a concise, evidence-informed resource for improving the suitability of Temporary Accommodation for neurodivergent children and their families, with a particular emphasis on conversion and retrofit. A Neuro-Inclusive Audit Tool is provided for procuring, developing, allocating, inspecting or reviewing Temporary Accommodation.

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2025

Addressing the costs of living in Temporary Accommodation with a neurodivergent child

This brief was put together to feed into the development of the Child Poverty Strategy. It argues that the devastating financial impacts of temporary accommodation on families need to be addressed in a strategy that delivers for children facing homelessness and housing insecurity; children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); and (3) parents/guardians, but especially single mothers, who are grappling with poverty and problem debt caused and exacerbated by these circumstances.

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Sensory Lives submission to MHCLG Inquiry on the conditions of homes in England

Our submission calls for Government to urgently recognise and act on the acute and detrimental health and financial impacts that neurodivergent children their families are experiencing because of mould, damp and overcrowding in Temporary Accommodation. We also evidence that soundproofing, safety measures, appropriate lighting, and private cooking facilities are priorities to meet neurodivergent children’s needs.

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