AUTISM NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024 COMMENT

Repeated failings The crisis in mental health services for autistic young people is costing lives. This BBC film investigates. More

Speaking for autism Oracy is a hot topic but what does it mean for learners with complex additional needs who may have idiosyncratic ‘speech’, are reluctant to utter sounds, or rely on technology to do so? This article examines the current drive towards teaching ‘fluent’ speech as a means of enabling equality and opportunity. More

Safe date For 24-year-old Sira Rehn, a dating app for people with mild intellectual disabilities and autism has opened up the world of online dating and a chance to find love in a safe space. More

Research right Studies investigating autistic community research priorities indicate a mismatch between what autism research focuses on and what autistic people want to see researched. Time to listen. More

Great trains GWR has been recognised by The National Autistic Society for making train travel more accessible for people with autism.The society applauded the train operator for introducing several autism-friendly changes, particularly at stations in the western region of its network. More

Escaping the wait A mother who fled to the UK from Ukraine with her seven-year-old son said she had no choice but to return to the war-torn country to avoid a three-year NHS wait for an autism assessment. More

Anxiety advice Over the past 10-15 years, research has confirmed what many parents and teachers have long suspected – that many autistic children often experience very significant levels of anxiety. Download this guide from City University, London. More

Stim supply When an individual experiences too much distressing sensory input (becoming overstimulated) or not enough positive sensory input (becoming understimulated), it can trigger sensory meltdowns or shutdowns. Fortunately, sensory items and stim toys have become more mainstream in recent years. Many autistic people use these items to self-regulate, cope with sensory issues, and attend to their sensory needs. More

Financial needs The first study into raising an autistic child using the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) approach, has found that families and carers face costs of more than £2,650 each year – to cover everyday essentials that meet their children’s needs. More

Time to learn Mandatory autism training should be introduced for teachers, the House Commons has heard today. Duncan Baker, Conservative MP for North Norfolk, has introduced a bill to Parliament in the hope of bringing in the change. The backbench MP said mandatory training would be aimed at identifying signs of autism and helping autistic children to achieve positive outcomes in school. More