Aylsham High School in Norfolk, UK, has been recognised as a leading UK example for its inclusive approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). A fifth of the school's students, 230 pupils, have Send, and the school has adapted its curriculum to meet their needs effectively. The executive head teacher, Duncan Spalding, made it a priority to ensure local children with additional needs could attend their... READ MORE

A new study highlights significant failures by UK employers to provide legally required reasonable adjustments for staff with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Owl Centre, a neurodiversity specialist, found that 55% of assessed adults with ADHD face barriers in securing or maintaining employment, and a staggering 80% reported never receiving the adjustments they requested. Common issues cited included difficulties with... READ MORE

The delightful Somerset town of Langport (a few miles from the Autism Info Center's own headquarters) has announced a special Christmas Market and family fun day for 6th December 2025, including a 4.30pm 'Quiet Fireworks Display' designed to be autism- and pet-friendly. The Langport Christmas Market promises 'a fantastic mix of stalls packed with local food and drink, seasonal treats, mulled cider, handcrafted gifts and festive goodies... READ MORE

In his recently published memoir, 'Source Code: My Beginnings', Bill Gates shares that, had he grown up today, he believes he would have been diagnosed with autism. He describes childhood traits such as obsessiveness, social awkwardness, and bluntness, and emphasises that he wouldn't change his brain "for anything". Gates joins a growing list of high-achievers who identify with neurodivergent traits, contributing to broader conversations... READ MORE

The Trump administration has ordered federal agencies to place all employees in diversity, equity and inclusion roles on administrative leave, and to come up with a plan to lay them off by the end of the month. The memo also orders all DEI-related training and contracts to be scrapped and encourages employees to file a report if they suspect that any such program has been "disguised" under different terminology or face "adverse consequences... READ MORE

Ofsted's new inspection framework places a significant emphasis on inclusion, broadening its definition beyond pupils with SEND to also encompass the socio-economically disadvantaged and others facing learning barriers. In response, schools are being encouraged to make their teaching "inclusive by design" (rather than by accident). Tes' article advocates for adopting the Education Endowment Foundation's "five a day" evidence-based approach to... READ MORE

A campaign group for parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) in Northern Ireland has raised serious safety concerns after reports that some children are being transported to school by drivers with criminal records. Giving evidence to a Stormont committee, SEN Reform NI highlighted that vetting for sub-contracted drivers is unclear and that children are sometimes transported without the legally required car seats. Parents face... READ MORE

A 13-year-old autistic girl in Cambridgeshire has been out of school for nearly two years due to council delays in providing appropriate support. Her mother, Sarah, described her fight for help as a "constant battle". The Local Government Ombudsman ordered Cambridgeshire County Council to pay the family £4,700 for failing to provide a suitable education for her daughter, Sophia, and for delaying an assessment for an education, health and... READ MORE

According to the IFS, the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is in crisis, marked by spiralling costs and patchy provision. Since 2018, the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has soared by nearly 80%, driving high-needs funding up by over £4 billion. Despite this, councils are running significant deficits due to the legally binding nature of EHCP entitlements, which prioritise... READ MORE

In a commendable act of principle, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has sacrificed at least US$37.5 million in federal funding by refusing to comply with the Trump administration's ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This bold stance demonstrates a true commitment to the city's values over financial gain. The airport's leaders rejected a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate that would have forced... READ MORE

Stating clearly that "libraries are for everyone," the US-based Sunderland Public Library has launched sensory friendly hours every Thursday to create a more welcoming space for the neurodiverse and those with sensory sentitivies, such as autism. The initiative followed a community conversation with residents, including neurodivergent people, who offered insights on reducing sensory distractions. With the help of a grant, the library now... READ MORE

Despite sensational media headlines proclaiming the "death of DEI", the data reveals this narrative is a myth, according to a recent study. The article challenges the misconception that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are disintegrating, noting that hyperbolic stories often create a false illusion of decline. The true takeaway is that 87% of companies are either maintaining or increasing their DEI budgets for 2025. Specifically, 65%... READ MORE

Research in the UK warns that "preventable deaths will continue" without urgent action to make NHS mental health services more accessible for autistic people. A study from the Universities of Cambridge and Bournemouth found that only one in four autistic adults sought NHS support during their last suicidal crisis. The primary reasons cited for not seeking help were a belief that services were unsuitable, previous negative experiences, and... READ MORE

Geoff Barton, leading a new UK taskforce on inclusion, has expressed concern that Ofsted's new inspection framework is "diluted" by its failure to address school admissions. While he welcomes inclusion having a higher profile, Barton argues that a school cannot be judged as strong on the matter if it is not representative of its local community. He suggests it is wrong for schools to be considered inclusive if they are content for local... READ MORE

The ongoing debate over office versus home working highlights a critical diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issue: how to accommodate diverse working styles. While some people thrive in a collaborative office, evidence shows that flexible working models are vital for others, particularly neurodiverse employees, such as those with autism. For neurodivergent staff, home working provides essential reasonable adjustments. It allows for... READ MORE

A study published in 'Autism' (UK) has explored the difficult decision autistic adults face when disclosing their diagnosis. Researchers interviewed twelve adults diagnosed within the last ten years, revealing that disclosure is a complex and ongoing process, not a one-time event. For many, sharing their diagnosis can be a positive step towards gaining support, encouraging self-acceptance, and engaging in advocacy. However, it also carries... READ MORE

A teaching union in Northern Ireland has demanded urgent talks with the Education Authority (EA) to prevent a repeat of the "last-minute scramble" for special educational needs (SEN) school places. The action from the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) comes after some SEN children were left without a placement at the start of the school year. The union's Dr Graham Gault stated the crisis was foreseeable and caused by "sustained... READ MORE

A study from the UC Davis MIND Institute (published in the Autism Journal) has found that autistic children are much more likely to suffer from persistent and multiple gastrointestinal (GI) problems compared to their typically developing peers. The long-term research followed 475 children and established a strong connection between these digestive issues and greater challenges with sleep, communication, sensory processing, and behaviour... READ MORE

A new Education Committee report identifies an ongoing crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, describing the current system as "broken" and failing children. It finds that rising numbers of pupils with complex needs, coupled with insufficient support in mainstream schools, have created an unsustainable demand for costly Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. The report's central recommendation is a fundamental... READ MORE

A recent report co-led by the University of Oxford reveals that most Britons continue to support Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles. The study, which surveyed over 4,000 people, found that 52% view EDI positively, although this is a decrease from 62% in 2024. Despite this drop, there is little appetite for the extensive EDI cuts seen in the United States, with only 37% supporting such measures for public bodies and even less... READ MORE

Silicon Republic discusses the challenges faced by neurodivergent people in the workplace, particularly with socialisation and navigating unspoken rules. It points out that many neurodivergent workers are undiagnosed or choose not to disclose their status, making it difficult for organisations to offer individual accommodations. The piece argues that instead of relying on individually requested adjustments, employers should apply universal... READ MORE

According to a recent study, and despite overwhelming scientific consensus, the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism continues to fuel vaccine hesitancy, contributing to a dangerous resurgence of preventable diseases. Recent measles outbreaks in the UK and US correlate with declining immunisation rates, with coverage in some areas falling far below the 95% threshold for herd immunity. This public health crisis is largely driven by... READ MORE

A new £21 million school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Tiffield Academy, has officially opened near Towcester, Northamptonshire. The school, which welcomed its first pupils this week, will cater for around 230 children aged between four and eighteen who face communication challenges and learning difficulties. Funded by West Northamptonshire Council, the academy is part of a broader initiative to create... READ MORE

There has been a worrying announcement by the White House in which President Trump's administration has moved to update drug labels to discourage acetaminophen (Tylenol) use by pregnant women, suggesting that it is the cause of autism. While it's good that President Trump's administration seeks to make pregnancy safer, this unscientific proclamation may risk 'demonizing' autism as a deficit instead of encouraging global acceptance of... READ MORE

The UK government and several disability charities, including Mencap, Mind, and the National Autistic Society, are set to intervene in a Supreme Court case that will reconsider the landmark 2014 Cheshire West judgment on what constitutes a deprivation of liberty. The case originates from Northern Ireland, where the Attorney General has questioned the legality of proposed changes to the region's Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) code... READ MORE

The Independent highlights significant job discrimination faced by neurodivergent people in the United Kingdom (and, presumably, elsewhere). The article examines the case of Luke Gawthorn, a financial analyst with autism, who initially hid his diagnosis on applications due to fear of prejudice. He is one of an estimated three million neurodivergent people in the UK who report experiencing discrimination from hiring managers. Research from... READ MORE

FE News's article discusses the increasing number of neurodiverse students in further and higher education and the need for a cultural shift in how institutions support them. It argues that simply having policies in place is not enough and that true inclusion requires a change in institutional culture. The piece highlights that neurodiverse students should be seen as an asset with qualities like creativity and resilience, which are highly... READ MORE

MDI has published a guide for journalists on how to report responsibly on autism. It notes that media portrayals often rely on outdated stereotypes, such as reducing autism to a "tragedy" or focusing on white, male, savant-like characters. The piece advocates for centering autistic perspectives, using identity-first language (such as "is autistic"), and avoiding terms like "high-functioning" or "low-functioning." It also urges journalists to... READ MORE

Misbar highlights growing fears among autistic people and their families in the US following new government policies on data collection. The piece reports that families are concerned their private health information could be used against them, leading to a wave of panic. Psychologists are seeing parents cancel evaluations and reconsider disclosing diagnoses in school plans. Experts warn that this hesitation will have long-term impacts, as... READ MORE

CRN reports on the state of DEI initiatives in the UK's technology sector, in the wake of political resistance and rollbacks in the United States. Donavan Hutchinson, CEO of a DEI consultancy, states that UK businesses are holding firm on their commitments. He notes that while some multinational companies may be scaling back, many UK partners view inclusive practices as essential for innovation, employee retention, and long-term growth. The... READ MORE

The Guardian discusses a new book by author Joe Harkness, which argues that neurodiverse people can play a vital role in conservation and fighting the extinction crisis. It notes that an estimated 30% of conservation employees are neurodivergent, and their unique skills, such as hyperfocus, lateral thinking, and memory, make them exceptionally effective in the field. The piece highlights how embracing a diversity of minds can bring different... READ MORE

In a powerful effort to challenge negative perceptions of autism, a group of young autistic people from south Wales have created a photography exhibition. Titled "But you don't look autistic," the exhibition features portraits of neurodivergent adults and children, alongside their personal stories. Organised by the Newport charity, Rewild Play, the project aims to counter the "messages of can't" often directed at neurodivergent children... READ MORE

UK Care Minister Stephen Kinnock has recently expressed his reservations about replacing the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) with the new Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS), which would protect people aged 16+ in a wide range of settings. The previous government had shelved the LPS, and while the current administration is reviewing its introduction, Kinnock told MPs he is not fully convinced it will achieve its objectives. The... READ MORE

A UK-based watchdog has upheld 96% of complaints it has investigated regarding the provision of special educational needs (SEN) in England. The number of complaints about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has risen by nearly 250% in the last five years. The head of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman states that the demand for support has not been met with adequate resources, causing children with needs, including... READ MORE

A review by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London estimates that 90 per cent of autistic adults over the age of 40 in the UK do not have a diagnosis. This can lead to increased health problems, social isolation, and a lower quality of life. The researchers suggest that a lack of diagnosis has created "critical gaps in policy and services" for this demographic. They call for a lifespan approach to... READ MORE

The Independent reports on a peer-to-peer movement called The Neurodiversity Alliance which is empowering neurodivergent students to create more inclusive spaces in high schools and universities. The movement has expanded from 60 to over 600 schools in the past year. Through the network students are mentoring each other, reframing cognitive differences, and advocating for greater accommodations. This student-led effort is gaining momentum at... READ MORE

This article examines the financial consequences for US companies that are scaling back their DEI initiatives in response to political pressure. It highlights that while some companies, like Target, have seen a significant drop in sales and stock value after rolling back DEI commitments, others, such as Costco, have experienced growth by maintaining their focus on inclusion. The article asserts that consumers increasingly make purchasing... READ MORE

A family in New Brunswick, Canada, is upset after they were allegedly asked to leave a hospital's emergency room because their seven-year-old son, who has autism, ADHD, and epilepsy, was being too loud while experiencing seizures. His mother said a nurse told her the family would have to leave because their son was "disrupting other patients". The article states that the parents feel their son was discriminated against and that they were... READ MORE

British singer-songwriter Sophie-Maude is using her music to celebrate and elevate neurodivergent voices. The 21-year-old, who has diagnoses of ADHD, autism, Tourette's, and OCD, recently visited Jersey to collaborate with local non-profit organisations Autism Jersey and ADHD Jersey. In an interview with Express, Sophie-Maude discussed how her diagnoses have been a source of strength, giving her clarity and closure. She sees her... READ MORE

The US Department of Justice has issued a memorandum to clarify what it considers "illegal DEI" activities for recipients of federal funding. This client alert from the law firm Feldesman LLP summarises the DOJ's guidance, which advises organisations to avoid activities such as diversity quotas, preferential hiring or promotion based on protected traits, and trainings that promote discrimination. The memo also suggests "best practices" to... READ MORE

The UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned that the Welsh government's new Disabled People's Rights Plan risks failure without significant revisions. The plan, which aims to improve rights for disabled people across various areas, is being criticised by the equalities watchdog for lacking clear targets, timeframes, and accountability measures. This warning echoes concerns previously raised by disabled rights groups. The... READ MORE

The UK's Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to cap the profits of private companies providing special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) education. This comes after the party's research found that top firms have made a combined profit of £100 million (US$120m) annually, with some backed by private equity companies in tax havens. They describe this "shameless profiteering" as a key factor in the SEND system's current... READ MORE

A woman from Dorset whose daughter died in a mental health hospital is campaigning for a new law to ensure medical staff receive proper training on how autism presents in women. Lindsey Bridges, from Bournemouth, is advocating for "Lolly's Law" after her daughter Lauren, 20, tragically died at a hospital in Greater Manchester. A petition for the law has received over 230,000 signatures. Bridges' proposal calls for detailed autism training for... READ MORE

A support group in Devon is providing help for neurodivergent children during the summer holidays, a time when a lack of routine and large crowds can be overwhelming. The group, founded by Sarah Coy, is run by the Teignmouth Neurodiversity Hub and has attracted 50 parents since it started 18 months ago. It offers a safe and structured environment with various activities such as puzzles, games and arts and crafts. The group's aim is to help... READ MORE

A young New Zealand singer, Sophie-Maude, who has family ties to Jersey, has collaborated with local organisations Autism Jersey and ADHD Jersey. The 21-year-old, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, tourettes, and OCD, aims to "celebrate and elevate neurodivergent voices" and abolish stigma through her music. During a recent visit to the island, she shared how a diagnosis made things easier and said she uses her neurodiversity as a... READ MORE

Thurrock-based author and film-maker Samuel Turner has released a new book titled "Treetops - A Specialist School That Changed My Life." The book is a tribute to Treetops School in Grays, where he was educated. The article highlights how the school's teaching and care changed his life as a person with autism and ADHD. Turner, who has previously won awards for his first book, "The Autistic Side of Love," aims to raise awareness about the... READ MORE

The UK government has announced the expansion of a programme to provide better support for neurodivergent children in mainstream schools. The initiative will benefit around 300,000 children across 1,200 primary schools. The goal is to make mainstream schools more inclusive so that more children with special educational needs (SEN) can thrive with their peers. This expansion is part of the government's wider vision for a reformed SEND system... READ MORE

The Guardian questions the exponential rise in autism diagnoses, which has seen the figure increase from one in 2,500 children 80 years ago to one in 36 today. While acknowledging that greater awareness and understanding are key factors, the article suggests that diagnostic boundaries are expanding to include a wider range of people, leading to a "loop" where increased awareness brings more people forward, which in turn widens the criteria... READ MORE

The latest NHS data shows that as of June 2025, over 236,000 people in England were waiting for an autism assessment. This represents a 15% increase in one year and a 53% increase over two years. The data highlights that nearly nine out of ten people are waiting longer than the 13-week standard recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The National Autistic Society is calling on the Government to provide... READ MORE

A federal judge in Maryland, Stephanie Gallagher, has struck down two Trump administration actions that aimed to eliminate DEI programmes at schools and universities. The ruling found that the Education Department had violated the law by threatening to cut federal funding from educational institutions that continued their DEI initiatives. The case centred on memos that had declared any consideration of race in admissions, financial aid, or... READ MORE