AUTISM NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2026 COMMENT

What happened? 2025 was a monumentally challenging year for US scientists in general and for autism researchers in particular. Take a look at The Autism Science Foundation’s research round-up. More

Reading between the lines A new study sheds light on the effectiveness of multiple strategies designed to enhance social inferential reading comprehension for young autistic students. More

That’s magic A young south Warwickshire entrepreneur and autism advocate is celebrating his latest accolade after being voted Best Wedding Magician. The news also follows the launch of Angus's first book 'Naughty or Neurodiverse: An Aspie's Road To Magic' following his journey from misunderstood child to professional magician. More

Town tales Autism Friendly Killarney has launched a new six-part video series showcasing how the town’s community, schools, event organisers and businesses are working together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic people. More

Beautiful mind From dismantling online games as a child to uncovering real-world vulnerabilities, Katie Paxton-Fear explains how autism, curiosity, and a rejection of ambiguity shaped her path into ethical hacking. More

Award due Dr Judith Gould has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List 2026. Dr Gould’s partnership with the late Dr Lorna Wing OBE in the 1970s led to the concept of the autism ‘spectrum’, a foundation of public understanding which changed the way the world viewed autism. More

Rock on Ultimate Thunder, a Leeds-based group of musicians with learning disabilities and autism, is campaigning to raise new funds for their behind-the-scenes documentary. More

Picture news Temple Grandin is one of four new portraits at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., showcasing this year’s recipients of the Portrait of a Nation award for their transformative contributions to American history and culture. More

Stage set An autistic student who "communicates through dance" has earned a place at a top UK dance school. Ross Hoey, 20, from Glasgow, achieved a dream spot at the highly prestigious Rambert School in London. Ross, who is also dyslexic, graduated from Glasgow Clyde College where his dazzling performances as an HND Dance Artist developed him into a gifted dancer and choreographer. More

Health help Dental experts have teamed up with the parents of autistic youngsters to create an online advice centre to help them look after their children's teeth. More

Correlation isn’t causation Is there a link between autism and being transgender? While transgender people are more likely to be diagnosed with autism, there is no proven causation between the two. Autism, like gender dysphoria, has no one single cause, but can be attributed to multiple genetic, biological, and environmental factors. More

Alternative facts A major new review has put hundreds of alternative autism treatments under the microscope—and most didn’t hold up. More