(Denmark) 50,000 SPED kids not in school; "system fails to accommodate neurodivergent students"

Oct 29, 2026, DW: Why a growing number of children are opting out of Denmark's schools

Around 50,000 children in Denmark aren't attending school. Their parents are calling for new, alternative approaches to education. Official support is lacking, particularly for children with special needs.

Families in Denmark are taking children with special needs out of regular schools, saying the system fails to accommodate neurodivergent students.

The report follows 12-year-old Olav, who has autism and attention difficulties and attends school only a few hours a week. Parents have created support networks such as Sanctuary Clubs, where children can learn and socialize in less stressful environments.

While families call for more flexible education and better inclusion, policymakers cite limited resources and concerns over falling academic performance. Researchers argue that Denmark's school system must adapt to meet the needs of today's children.