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 hiring as a violation of civil rights law, which was an expanded interpretation of a recent Supreme Court decision. The judge stated that the guidance initiated a "sea change" and caused fear among educators.

The UK government has been criticised by The Big Issue for its plan to help neurodivergent people into work primarily as a means to cut the benefits bill. While the government says it wants to utilise untapped talent, campaigners argue this should not be a cost-cutting exercise. They highlight significant barriers, including the inflexible Universal Credit system, which penalises part-time work, and extremely long waiting lists for essential assessments for conditions like ADHD. Critics insist that a holistic, supportive, and flexible approach is needed, addressing workplace adjustments and healthcare access, rather than simply pushing people off benefits.

The 9th annual MSU Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Family and Professionals Conference took place on 24th July 2025 at the Kellogg Center. The conference focused on "Bridging Services and Environment", bringing together families, caregivers, professionals, and self-advocates. Those present shared their lived experiences, resources, ideas, and insights to help support people with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr Barbara Thompson highlighted the importance of listening to lived experiences while various panel discussions emphasised inclusivity in sports, and celebrated personal accomplishments. The conference portrayed a positive and enlightened view of autism, and highlighted the work that still needs to be done to ensure a fair and equitable society that accepts, understands, and nurtures autistic people in every area.

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, which aims to help boost attendance and improve behaviour among children with conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

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 professionals, anti-ligature doors in psychiatric facilities, and the creation of specific anti-suicide and self-harm hubs for autistic people. She is determined to prevent other families from enduring the same loss.

Wiltshire Council has announced a £6.5 million investment in a new special educational needs (SEN) school in Ludgershall. The new school, Exeter House School, will be located on the grounds of Wellington Academy and will cater for 120 children with SEN. The announcement comes as a mother, Mary Reed, praised the SEN provision that transformed her son Sid's learning and confidence. Sid, 15, has a rare genetic disorder, and despite being told he might never read or write, he is now reading at the age of 12 thanks to specialist education. Councillor John Hubbard said the new school would give all children the choice to be educated in Wiltshire.

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 a time when government support for people with special educational needs (such as autism) is being systematically reduced.

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 neurodivergence as a "superpower, not a weakness". The R&B and pop artist, who has accumulated over 186,000 streams on her songs, is a passionate advocate for abolishing the stigma around neurodiversity. She encourages other aspiring musicians to embrace their unique traits and get involved in their local music scenes, urging them to make connections and find people who will motivate them. The CEO of ADHD Jersey, Rachel Boss, praised Sophie-Maude as a "shining example" of the talent within the neurodivergent community.

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 superpower, not a weakness. Her journey is highlighted as a shining example of the talent and creativity within the neurodivergent community.

A childcare hub in Blackfield, Hampshire, has been set up to provide a lifeline for parents of autistic children and those with other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Set up by a dedicated childcare worker, New Forest Outreach Support aims to offer tailored care that addresses the unique needs of each child - a significant improvement over many existing, often unsuitable, services. The facility says it will reduce costs for parents, and it features a sensory room and soundproofed quiet spaces, creating a stable and beneficial environment for autistic children. Local parents anticipate that the hub will greatly ease the challenge of finding appropriate and affordable holiday childcare.

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. Participants, like 15-year-old Liam, shared how they feel a sense of pride in their contributions and hope to combat the condescending attitudes they frequently face. The exhibition highlights the importance of positive representation and demonstrates the wide spectrum of experiences and strengths within the autistic community. The charity's co-founder, Jade West, who is also autistic, stated that the project was a way to challenge misconceptions and provide much needed positive visibility for neurodivergent people.

In this advice for early career teachers, Dr Sarah Mullin explains that establishing routines is vital for creating a positive classroom culture. Drawing on research, the article highlights that routines reduce cognitive load for students and improve time on task, which is particularly beneficial for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Mullin recommends starting lessons with a clear routine and explicitly teaching, practising, and reinforcing all classroom expectations. It is suggested that this approach provides consistency, which is described as the "greatest kindness" a new teacher can offer their students. Mullin concludes with five research-informed strategies for implementing routines successfully.

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 over 600 new specialist education places in the region. Operated by the Greenwood Academies Trust, the purpose-built facility includes sensory rooms, a therapy room, a soft playroom, and dedicated outdoor areas. Principal Emma Butler stated the academy is an "incredible facility" designed to give pupils opportunities to thrive. Local officials praised the school for providing high-quality educational support in a safe and inclusive environment, allowing children with complex needs to be taught within their local community.

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 children and adults are deprived of vital support. For autistic adults, the new climate is especially threatening, with some reporting they are avoiding medical care out of concern their private data could be shared with the government.

he Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) has admitted that the Portsmouth Neurodiversity Profiling Tool needs updating to be more "neuro-affirmative," but continues to use the existing version on the Isle of Wight. This admission came in a Freedom of Information request response, revealing a limited evidence base for the tool's use. The ICB also deflected responsibility for the lack of co-production with local neurodivergent people and families, claiming the tool is not "owned" by the NHS. Despite concerns from professionals and advocacy groups like Isle of Wight SEN Support, the ICB has refused to pause its use of the tool, although it has committed to co-producing a "version 2" in the future.

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 long waiting lists. Experts argue that autistic people want support but are being failed by a system they find inaccessible, unhelpful, or even harmful. The study corroborates the UK government's recognition of autistic people as a high-risk group for suicide. Researchers are calling for immediate, meaningful changes, including autism-informed training for healthcare staff and the co-design of flexible, adapted mental health services to rebuild trust and save lives.

A new bill in New Jersey, sponsored by state Senator Andrew Zwicker, seeks to boost employment for neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autism spectrum. The legislation proposes a US$7,000 tax credit for companies that hire neurodiverse people in STEM roles. Additionally, it would allocate nearly US$1.5 million to county colleges to develop training programmes specifically for neurodiverse students. The bill's supporters highlight both the social benefits and the significant return on investment for businesses, with a focus on creating more success stories like Erik, a former intern who gained valuable skills and is now advancing his career in IT.

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 support for autistic people, including long-term research, tailored healthcare, and expanded social support, to help aging autistic people live healthy and happy lives.

This article proposes a reframing of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work through the lens of organisational justice. It argues that the sociopolitical landscape around DEI has significantly shifted, and a more effective path forward involves focusing on breaking down favouritism, isolation, subjectivity, and secrecy in the workplace. The authors suggest four key principles: rejecting ideological dogma, aiming for organisational success beyond mere "belonging," recognising that the work is for everyone while acknowledging different needs, and embracing contextual customisation. This approach aims to make DEI efforts more sustainable and impactful by aligning them with broader organisational goals.

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 urgent funding to address the crisis, stating that a diagnosis is often a vital first step to getting the right support and preventing mental health issues.