AUTISM NEWSLETTER JUNE 2021 COMMENT

 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adults’ mouths during speech, but they don’t reap the language-learning benefits associated with it, according to new unpublished research.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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