AUTISM NEWSLETTER MARCH 2026

Diagnosis doubted The National Autistic Society has warned that a recent Government review risks fuelling an "increasingly polarised debate", with "too much attention placed on questioning people's motivations for seeking a diagnosis”. More

Novel voice As a child, Woody Brown was underestimated, infantilised and dismissed by specialists and teachers. Now 28, he has written an acclaimed debut novel set in an adult day care centre that gives people like him a voice. More
​
Autism alert More than 5,500 autistic people now carry a Thames Valley Autism Alert Card, and Autism Berkshire, the charity behind the scheme, is keen to increase take-up during Autism Acceptance Week 2026. More

Sensory need An 11-year-old primary school student has started a petition calling on the government to ensure there is a sensory area in every classroom for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). More

Talking Head With his eccentric style and quirky stage presence, David Byrne, the iconic frontman of the band Talking Heads, emerged as one of the most distinctive figures in ‘70s and ‘80s music. He discusses his experiences of being on the autism spectrum throughout his career, emphasising both challenges and creative advantages linked to being autistic. More

Award Hillingdon Council is celebrating after its Youth Justice Service became the first in the country to achieve national recognition by a charity for its work to improve support for autistic people. More

Open comic Hundreds of autistic people from around the UK have helped shape new guidance on how to make comic festivals and conventions welcoming. Researchers were taken aback by how many fans took part in an online survey on the issue, as part of the University of Cambridge project. More

Art works Emy is proof that misconceptions are usually very wrong. Her artwork appeals to people all over the world, without the need for words. Emy and her one-to-one support worker, India
– on how Emy’s art has built connection and communication. More
​
More inclusive Specialist resource centers (a form of "Inclusion Base") within mainstream secondary schools may be linked to stronger academic progress, improved attendance, and a greater sense of belonging for autistic pupils, according to a new three-year study from the University of Surrey, published in the journal Autism. More​