AUTISM NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025 COMMENT

Postcode lottery A new report by the Public Accounts Committee highlighted long wait times and found the SEND support children received relied too much on their postcode. More

Language abilities A new study from UCLA Health adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without autism. More

Eye on quality The Department of Health has appointed Northern Ireland's first independent autism reviewer. Ema Cubitt was selected for the role following a public appointment competition and will take up office in September for a five-year period. More

Future in film  A film academy has given students with autism "life-changing" opportunities to work in front of and behind the camera. Staff at Blaenau Gwent Film Academy in Tredegar decided to start offering apprenticeships after students told them they wanted to further their careers but did not have the confidence to go to college. More

Java jive A Neuro Café brings support to parents and carers of children with autism and ADHD. The Café is designed to provide valuable information and support for parents and carers of children with Autism and ADHD, as well as those awaiting assessment. Those attending will have the opportunity to engage with a range of information stalls hosted by representatives from both statutory and community organisations. More

Waiting in Wales The number of children waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment in Wales could nearly triple to 61,000 over the next two years, a committee heard. Sarah Murphy, Wales’ mental health minister, told the Senedd’s children’s committee that 20,770 children were waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment in September 2024. More

Airline approval Emirates has launched an inspiring journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, inviting customers with autism and sensory sensitivities to experience Emirates’ seamless services and personalised hospitality. More

Canine confidence An 11-year-old autistic girl has said she "doesn't know what she would do without" her support dog, who has transformed her life. Scarlette, from Hackenthorpe in Sheffield, would refuse to leave the house, go for periods of not speaking and even self-harm before black Labrador Ivanhoe arrived in 2022, her mother said. More

Hiring an advantage What every employer should know about supporting neurodivergent talent. More