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Living Authentically A West Cumbrian author is set to publish her debut book exploring her experience of being diagnosed with autism aged 40. Laura McGarrickwill publish The Parts That Had To Hide: An Autistic Perspective On Survival, Adaptation And Living More Authentically on September 1 with Pesky Publishing. More
ADHD or Autism? A digital tool first released in 2023 uses a touchpad computer like an iPhone or iPad to effectively screen young children for autism at scale, promising to open the door for support and intervention earlier than previously possible. But doctors and researchers developing the tool wanted to know whether conditions like ADHD might be challenging detection in some cases. More Cancer LD:NorthEast has been awarded a CARE grant from Macmillan Cancer Support as part of a new initiative by the national cancer charity. People with learning disabilities often face additional barriers when accessing healthcare, understanding information and participating in decisions about their care. More Science strengths “Autism gives me unconventional research ideas” What is everyday life like for someone on the autism spectrum working as a lecturer and researcher at ETH Zurich? Ghislain Fourny talks about his passion for education and science, his strengths – and the challenges that often remain invisible to others. More Still getting it wrong US President Donald Trump has been criticised for spreading misinformation about autism after signing an order that separates out the childhood MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine and making reference to “high rates of autism”. The order also recommends that the number of childhood vaccines drop to 11 from the existing 18 recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). More War and autism Continuous bombardment poses a direct threat to the nervous systems of autistic children. In Gaza, constant explosions have driven severe behavioural relapses, including total sleep deprivation, wandering from tents, panic attacks, and self-harm. More Over-representation There are longstanding problems with the government's counter-extremism programme, Prevent, in relation to autism. Nearly one in five people referred to Britain's controversial Prevent counter-extremism programme had autism recorded as a condition, according to new Home Office figures, raising fresh concerns over the scheme's impact on neurodivergent people. More Broadly criticised There are claims that the diagnostic criteria for autism have become too broad. Uta Frith’s assertions that the concept of an autism spectrum has become meaningless haven’t gone down well with the autistic community itself. More Tech time Ciara Ousley, assistant professor of special education and communication disorders (University of Nebraska), recently evaluated the effects of embedding communication technology within storybook reading and play time with young autistic children, ages 2-5, who have limited to no vocal speech. Ousley found significant increases in children’s joint engagement levels when these strategies were introduced. More
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Heart n Soul Allsorts, based at The Albany in south-east London, brings together adults with learning disabilities and autistic people to take part in creative sessions led by artists. The programme changes each week, and no two sessions look the same. More
Seeing you Awareness is one thing, but acceptance is another. For Mark Wright, it all started when his daughter drew an apple. More Health equality Autistic women say smear tests can leave them feeling distressed, dismissed and in pain, with some avoiding them altogether out of anxiety. Research funded by Cancer Research Wales will assess how barriers to cervical screening for autistic women can be removed. More School memories Anna Higgins felt she never really fitted in at school. She assumed the experience was confusing and overwhelming to everyone. Only when she received an autism diagnosis in her 20s did she begin to appreciate her school days had been particularly challenging - making her aware she may have struggled to fulfil her potential. More Inclusive touch Princess Anne was the guest of honour at a tag rugby competition for players with learning disabilities. Tag Fest 26 was organised by the charity Wooden Spoon, which aims to build inclusion through the sport - the Princess Royal is the charity's patron. More Safeguarding fails Since 2016 the CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, has prosecuted just 11 providers relating to the care of people with learning disabilities, despite the fact that care can fall short and negligence is a reality. More Autistic strength “Last year, over spring break, I took my then 10-year-old son to Disneyland. For years, I had been reluctant to visit the park, unsure of how my son, who is autistic, would handle the large crowds, long lines, and sensory overload. I needn’t have worried.” More Health help A three-year plan focused on prevention, independence, and community care has been launched to transform support for people with learning disabilities and autism in Birmingham and Solihull. The strategy sets out 10 key areas for action, with a central ambition to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and enhance preventive services. More Soccer sacks A football association has teamed up with an autism charity to create and distribute sensory bags across the local football community. The Jersey Football Association and Autism Jersey have launched the bags containing items that could help children and adults self-regulate in over-stimulating environments. More Saving lives The Zero Suicide Alliance (a national initiative hosted by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched ‘Autism and Suicide Awareness Training’. It’s designed to coach people through spotting the signs and supporting an autistic person. More Change the system In a new report the Autism Alliance UK makes one overriding point: that to genuinely improve lives and outcomes for autistic children, young people and adults, governments across the UK must invest in systemic change, addressing the deep barriers faced by autistic people which have been present for decades. More Inclusion and Ofsted Assessing inclusion is rarely straightforward when determining whether a school’s approach is genuinely improving the experiences of vulnerable students. More Signs of success A former Royal Marine who admits he "couldn't cope" with his autistic son not talking has hailed a communication system for helping him find his voice. Three years ago, the family were introduced to Makaton, which uses signs, symbols and speech to help people of all ages who need support. More 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 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 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 Discovering literacy About one-third of autistic people are minimally verbal, and most are never provided an effective alternative. However, a new study from scientists at the University of Virginia suggests that many of these individuals are literate, raising the possibility that they could learn to express themselves through writing. More
High Tech friend An AI robot has been developed in Pakistan to assist children on the autism spectrum. This AI robot is designed in such a way that it understands the needs of autistic children and provides social support to them in every possible way. The AI robot is capable of assisting autistic children in communication and enhancing cognitive abilities. More Mechanisms of stress Autistic people may be particularly susceptible to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Recent research suggests that even mild stressors can trigger PTSD in those with autism. More Deep dive guide "Working in education, I realised that I had the same struggles as some of my students. I became passionate about sharing my experiences and educating people about autism.” More Fraudsters and fakes The Met Police has launched an investigation over concerns about stem-cell injections being offered to children as a cure for autism. The Royal Borough of Greenwich told BBC London it was aware of concerns surrounding "experimental procedures" on autistic children. The Met said it was investigating "a reported fraud relating to the provision of medical services”. More Access all animals A Black Country zoo has been certified "autism friendly" by a charity for people with learning disabilities. Dudley Zoo was recognised by Dimensions for its welcoming atmosphere and work to make the site more inclusive for visitors with sensory needs. More Support star Marie Ward, Sligo Traveller Support Group is the lead Primary Health care worker raising awareness in her community on Autism and supporting parents and families with children diagnosed with Autism. More What, no assessments? Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel has uncovered what he calls “the startling truth” over the scandal of families struggling to get autism assessments for their children. More Job creation The North East Autism Society (NEAS) is partnering with creative organisations in the region to launch an innovative new employability and wellbeing scheme for neurodivergent people. More Game on Northern Ireland's first-ever gaming convention for individuals with autism returns for its second year. Fandom Con, one of Northern Ireland's first-ever gaming conventions specifically designed for and organised by individuals with autism and neurodiverse conditions, is set to return on 25th May. More How do autistic people experience maternity care? Dr Aimee Grant, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Swansea University, tells us how her experience of autism and maternity care inspired her to research the topic. More
Social isolation Michelle Myers was diagnosed with autism at 41 and has spent her whole life masking who she really is. She has experienced first-hand the effects of stigmatisation, social isolation, and limited opportunities due to a lack of understanding surrounding autism. More National crisis The National Autistic Society was formed in 1962 and opened the World’s first specialist school for autistic children in 1964. Recently, though the charity has felt the brunt of Government cuts in funding for care, with several services forced to close. More Hubs help The NHS has invested £200,000 for autism hubs to run in Derbyshire. In the hubs, charities and voluntary organisations will support children and young people - and their families and carers - with topics such as benefits, housing, employment, and clinical services. More Teaching skills Breaking tasks down into their component parts and simplifying instructions will go a long way to helping autistic children master new skills. More Augmenting lives Communication is key and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can really help. AAC covers a range of strategies and tools which help children and adults communicate. These may be simple letter or picture boards, or very sophisticated computer-based systems. More Thinking differently Autism self-advocate Travis Misurell shares how the Future Is Now Coalition is working to make the US democratic process more accessible. More ‘Running is the ultimate stim' Insights from autistic ultra-runner, Ishmael Burdeau, into how the sport of ultra-running can be a place for autistic athletes to grow and prosper. More Missing school A teenager with autism says going to school can feel "like hell" due to lack of help for additional learning needs. Leonie, 15, from Merthyr Tydfil, would beg not to attend school before she got tailored support. More Help app An autistic boy and his mother are appealing for help with developing an app to support his needs. Young innovator James Malthouse, ten, from Tavistock, is asking for help with raising money through his Crowdfunder campaign. More
ABA Ban Parents of children with autism in the Netherlands are calling on the government to ban a controversial treatment known as ABA, which some have compared to gay conversion therapy. More Stop! Think… autism? “My autistic behaviour is constantly met by accusation and inconsiderate responses. I believe this is frequently for two reasons: 1. They don’t stop and think, could there be another explanation for this ‘odd’ behaviour? 2. Even if they realise I am autistic, they don’t know how to support me”. More Autism freed me Getting diagnosed with autism and ADHD was “the best thing that ever happened” to Ellie Middleton. More Hear me The “voice” of a 3-year-old teaches us about the importance of early detection, parenting support and the crucial role played by professionals and an open-minded society. More Getting there The train operator behind the country's busiest rail franchise has launched a guide to help people with autism travel with ease. More Left in limbo The NHS autism service ‘crisis’ will leave tens of thousands of patients without diagnosis with 190,000 patients waiting for autism diagnosis by 2024 with ‘devastating’ consequences. More Life partner A digital innovation that provides autistic adults with 24/7 support and practical tools to manage the challenges of everyday life has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety levels. More of injusti
Rebel on the spectrum ‘People like me have a very aggravated sense of injustice’ More Strategic intent England has a new autism strategy. Five things you need to know about the Government’s new autism strategy for England. More Tackling tough Covid, fostering, autism and football – midfielder Shaun Byrne opens up on difficult 10 days with the virus. More Ways to work A foundation is helping people on the autistic spectrum gain qualifications and jobs in the IT sector as software testers. More Finding each other Writer Joanne Limburg diagnosed with autism at 42 reflects on motherhood. More Hidden histories Over the past two decades, our cultural understanding of autism and what it means to be autistic has grown - though we have a long way to go. But there are entire generations of people who grew up when the popular conception of autism was a far cry from how it’s now understood. More Thinking of others Cameron McIntosh has worked for weeks by himself to improve Dundonald — cleaning up litter, broken glass and dog poo. More Holiday reading: The Passionate Mind In entirely accessible terms, Wendy Lawson lays out her groundbreaking theory of Single Attention and Associated Cognition in Autism (SAACA), an approach that explains autism in terms of the unique learning style of individuals on the autism spectrum. More Reel life A Cumbrian filmmaker is preparing to show off a new film inspired by her experiences with neurodivergency. Sophie Broadgate asked women and non-binary people with autism to contribute to the film where their experiences will be shared and explored. More A Jump in understanding David Mitchell on how translating The Reason I Jump for his non-verbal autistic son was a lifesaver and his excitement at seeing the new Matrix film he co-wrote. More
Grappling with autism Shane and Isham, two autistic wrestlers thrive on the mat. “The most important thing is it’s not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle for me. Wrestling is hard. It’s not easy but I love it.” More Research gap Autism research funding has risen but still falls short of goals set by the US Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s (IACC). More Recognising strengths Autism should be defined as much by the unusual pattern of abilities and strengths as the difficulties that go with the condition. More Travel training Not all adults with autism will have the ability to travel independently. Those who can travel independently may not have the ability to drive on their own. But for those who are capable of walking, using public transportation, or driving, travel training can lead to greater self-confidence, flexibility, and independence. More Home free A mum who has been fighting to have her son with autism released from hospital after 15 years has revealed he should move into his own home later this year. More Sounds, smiles and siblings Babies with autistic older siblings pay close attention to adults’ mouths during speech, but they don’t reap the language-learning benefits associated with it, according to new unpublished research. By contrast, the more that children without autistic siblings watch speakers’ mouths as babies, the better they tend to understand spoken language as toddlers. More More work needed Robert Ward explains how he struggled through seven years of mainstream education and a lack of understanding in the workplace before finally finding a role where his unique skills were appreciated and valued. More Autism friendly housing A new Lewisham housing scheme is helping young adults with autism live independently, minimising stress and creating a calm environment through design. More |
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