Speakers

Dylan Jackson, born and raised in Ramsgate, has Autism and ADHD. He recently appeared as a contestant on the James Bond–themed reality TV show 007: Road to a Million. In his talk as part of the Parent, Carer, and Teacher Forum, Dylan will share his experiences of inclusion, representation, and education, reflecting on how these shaped his life choices, successes, and challenges. Offering an honest and insightful perspective from lived experience, Dylan now hopes to give back to the SEND community by providing constructive criticism and practical advice on how best to include and support neurodivergent people in education.

Daniel Jackson is married with four boys, two of whom are diagnosed with autism. His eldest son, Dylan, has been at the heart of their family’s journey with SEND.

By day, Daniel works for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary under the Ministry of Defence – “not a secret agent,” he insists, despite the eyepatch and his appearance on 007: Road to a Million suggesting otherwise.

Daniel’s real mission has been supporting Dylan through the challenges of a school system that too often failed to understand or support his needs. Dylan was left isolated, bullied, and pushed to the margins. Like many parents, Daniel did not always see the full extent of what was happening. Weekends with Dylan felt “typical teenage,” and when Dylan began refusing school, Daniel would march him back in – unknowingly sending him back into an environment that was doing more harm than good.

Dylan’s autism was never championed in school, yet his story now and journey on 007 Road to a Million demonstrates the extraordinary potential of neurodivergent young people when given self-belief and the courage to dream. On the platform of the GoldenEye Dam Dylan stood arms outstretched surveying the floor 700 ft below. Dylan had every reason to crumble. Instead, he leapt – proving to himself and the world what could be achieved.

That leap has become a symbol for Daniel and his family: of resilience, of possibility, and of the importance of creating a world where no child is left “in the corner.” Daniel shares their story in the hope that, if it makes a difference for even one other family, then every step of their journey will have been worth it.