AUTISM NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2025 COMMENT

Revealing numbers The increased rates of autism, ADHD, and other mental health conditions are evidence of decades of unmet need argues Rowan Humphries-Massey. More

Identity question A recent US study has concluded that there is no consensus as to whether individuals with autism prefer identity first language. More

Accurate picture? In recent years, the way autism is portrayed in media has become a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion. Numerous pundits argue that these representations often fail to encapsulate the reality of the autistic experience. More

History lesson A strange and largely forgotten trip to the USSR in 1963 offers historical context to RFK Jr.’s thinking about autism. More

Make work work A systematic review of workplace accommodations and employment outcomes among employees with autism has concluded that employers should not view accommodations as optional extras but rather as essential components of an accessible workplace design. More

Calmer Christmas London campaign agency DOJO UK has partnered with Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity, to launch All Is Calm — a campaign that highlights how Christmas can be a challenging time for autistic people. More

Evidence again A new review by the WHO reaffirms the conclusions from its previous reviews that the available high-quality scientific evidence indicates that vaccines, including those with thiomersal or aluminium or both, do not cause autism. More

Ad ban The UK’s advertising watchdog has cracked down on products being promoted online that it says falsely promise to diagnose prostate cancer and treat autism and ADHD. More

Sibling story For most of his life, Helen’s brother John didn’t know he was autistic. He was diagnosed in the 1970s — a time of limited understanding of neurodiversity. He was born during a time that didn't have the understanding of autism, neurodiversity and mental health management we have now. John felt like he was an outsider; he believed he was a misfit in most people's eyes. More

​First prize Nnena Kalu has won this year's Turner Prize, the UK's most high-profile art award, for her "bold and compelling" sculptures and drawings - and has made history as the first artist with a learning disability to win. More

Source of safety A new autism and neurodiversity resource is now available to help ensure road safety education is more accessible and inclusive for autistic people. Developed by Co-Pilot in partnership with the National Autistic Society, the resource supports road safety professionals to create learning experiences that recognise and respond to the needs of autistic learners. More