A study from Katherine Marie Trice and Zhenghan Qi explores how autistic children learn and remember new words, investigating the role of "pragmatic inferences" - the ability to understand a speaker's intent. The research, involving 49 verbal autistic children aged 6-9, found that while some children successfully used pragmatic inferences to learn words, a significant portion did not. The study identified two distinct learning pathways: one group benefited from pragmatic cues, while another relied more on direct-mapping strategies. These findings highlight the diverse ways autistic children acquire language and suggest that tailoring teaching methods to individual learning styles is crucial for understanding the heterogeneity of language in autism.

Safia Middleton-Patel, the 20-year-old Manchester United and Wales goalkeeper, is opening up about her autism diagnosis and how it impacts her life as an elite athlete. She discusses the challenges she faces and how she uses her platform to challenge stereotypes about autism. Middleton-Patel emphasizes that autism "doesn't have a look" and that every autistic person is different. Her teammates and coaches have been supportive, learning to understand her needs and helping her navigate situations where she might struggle to communicate. She hopes to be a positive role model for neurodivergent individuals in sport and beyond.

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 financial crisis. The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to implement an 8% cap on operating profits to ensure funds are channelled back into the system, supporting children with SEND rather than enriching shareholders. This proposal was previously voted down, but the party continues to push for urgent action.

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, systemic underfunding," calling suggestions that schools were unwilling to help "profoundly insulting." The letter urges collaborative, strategic planning to avoid a "perpetual crisis." The EA agreed that securing places is an "absolute priority" and welcomed engagement. It maintains that a large-scale expansion of specialist provision within mainstream schools is the only long-term solution, while acknowledging the severe impact of budget constraints on education.

A study has identified four distinct biological subtypes of autism, offering a new path for personalised diagnosis and care. Analysing data from over 5,000 children, researchers used a person-centred computational model to group individuals based on shared traits. The subtypes identified are: Social and Behavioural Challenges (core autism features, often with ADHD/anxiety, typical development); Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay (delayed milestones, varied social/repetitive behaviours); Moderate Challenges (less pronounced autism traits, typical development); and Broadly Affected (most severe symptoms, significant delays, psychiatric conditions). Each subtype is linked to unique genetic markers and developmental patterns, providing deeper insight into autism's complex biology.

New research presented at a global dementia conference suggests that people with autism have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. One study of nearly 800,000 people found that autistic adults, including those under 50, were up to three times more likely to show signs of cognitive decline than neurotypical individuals. Experts speculate this increased risk may be linked to a higher prevalence of other conditions in autistic people, such as depression and diabetes, or to certain medications that affect brain function. The findings highlight the need for greater awareness and research into this emerging health concern.

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 implements changes like dimmed lighting, fragrance-free cleaning, and designated quiet areas with earplugs available. Library staff also received training on how to better support neurodivergent patrons. The goal, according to the director, is not just to provide better service for people on the autism spectrum, but to improve the library experience and sense of belonging for all patrons.

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 misinformation originating from a fraudulent and retracted 1998 paper. To provide a definitive modern synthesis, a new meta-analysis systematically reviewed 12 high-quality studies involving over two million children across several continents. The findings unequivocally reaffirm that there is no statistical link between autism and any vaccine-related exposure, including the MMR vaccine or the preservative thimerosal. The combined odds ratio was 0.96, confirming no increased risk. The authors argue that continuing to entertain this disproven hypothesis legitimises misinformation, diverts critical resources from genuine neurodevelopmental research, and ultimately undermines global public health efforts by allowing diseases like measles to return, which still claim over 136,000 lives annually worldwide.

Mac and Maria Pouniu, parents of an autistic son, have established Spectroom, a play centre designed specifically for neurodiverse children. Their motivation stemmed from difficulties finding suitable public playgrounds where their son could play without feeling overwhelmed or judged. Spectroom aims to be a safe space where children with various disabilities can freely express themselves and explore in an environment tailored to their needs. The centre has gained international recognition, with FIFA even asking them to create a similar sensory space at Eden Park for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

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% are keeping budgets the same and 22% plan to increase them. Companies are not deterred by the current backlash, recognising that DEI is good for business and essential for retaining employees and attracting younger consumers. While the terminology may evolve, the core mission to foster fairness, growth, and opportunity in the workplace remains.

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 (23%) for the private sector. The research indicates that attitudes regarding the fairness of EDI initiatives have remained stable, with 48% believing they lead to fairer outcomes. The report suggests anchoring EDI in shared values like respect and equal opportunity to maintain broad support. It also recommends focusing on tailored, voluntary workplace approaches and giving greater attention to socioeconomic disadvantage to ensure EDI is perceived as beneficial for everyone.

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 neurodiversity as a beneficial variety of ordinary human development. The statement regarding Tylenol was presented alongside government plans for an equally unproven vitamin B treatment for autism under Medicaid. This alarming approach suggests that autism is a "disease" to be "cured", risking yet further demonization of those who live their entire lives with autism. NPR's article strongly emphasizes that this governmental stance lacks a firm scientific basis. Numerous medical and scientific bodies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, immediately criticized the move, highlighting that it was made without any reliable supporting data. Even the FDA's own notice stated that a causal relationship between acetaminophen and autism has not been established. Researchers from a study cited by the administration felt the government was "jumping the gun," as stronger evidence is needed before the Trump administration's assertions could ever be accepted as scientific fact. Medical professionals expressed great concern, noting that acetaminophen is often the only painkiller recommended during pregnancy and that untreated fever can pose significant risks to a fetus. Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, and autism advocacy groups also disputed the claims, warning that spreading unproven theories is likely to cause unnecessary fear, confusion, and stigma for autistic people and their families. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has made its own statement, saying that "As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families. WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma."

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". The move is a sudden and aggressive reversal of the US Government's previous inclusion policies and has sparked concern among civil rights advocates. MSNBC's article outlines the implications for workplace diversity and the broader political context surrounding DEI in government.

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 current DoLS system, which only protects those aged 18+ and only in care homes and hospitals, will now continue indefinitely. The LPS was legislated for in 2019 to streamline the process of authorising the deprivation of liberty for people lacking the capacity to consent to their care and treatment. This was intended to address the significant increases in DoLS cases. However, the reform was repeatedly delayed before being paused completely. Until Kinnock's comments, the Labour government had not publicly addressed the issue of LPS.

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. The proposed change would allow a person who lacks mental capacity to consent to their confinement through the expression of their wishes and feelings, thereby removing the need for a formal DoL authorisation under Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights. While the charities are intervening to defend the existing Cheshire West standard and protect the rights of disabled people, the UK government has intervened due to the UK-wide implications of any ruling. The case will be heard on 20 October 2025.

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 culture shift to make mainstream education genuinely inclusive, where SEND is the responsibility of the whole school, not an add-on. To achieve this, it calls for a unified national framework to establish clear, enforceable standards for the support children should receive before an EHC plan is considered. Key recommendations include mandatory, continuous SEND training for all teachers and senior leaders, and an urgent review of the national funding formula to better reflect local needs and uprate the outdated £6,000 per-pupil provision. The report also calls for a dedicated workforce plan to address specialist shortages and demands that the NHS become a more active, accountable partner in delivering support. The ultimate goal is to reduce the reliance on EHC plans by embedding expertise and resources directly within every school.

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 pupils with additional needs "to be sent in a taxi elsewhere". This view is supported by others in the sector, who argue that admissions are a critical element of inclusivity. Ofsted defends its new framework, which introduces six new evaluation areas, stating that inclusion is a "golden thread" running through all aspects of its inspections. The new system, which scraps overall grades, is scheduled to begin in November.

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 community school. Helen Hayes, chair of the Commons Education Committee, praised the school for its comprehensive focus on student mental health and wellbeing. The school's approach means many children's needs can be met without an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan, a process that many families find challenging. One parent noted that her son, who has ADHD and autism, is now "thriving" thanks to the school's support, highlighting the positive impact of its inclusive environment.

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 article suggests that UK law remains a strong supporter of DEI, and businesses are increasingly recognising the business case for diverse teams, which are proven to be more adaptable and innovative.

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 galore'. There will be live entertainment, face painting, and various family-friendly activities to keep everyone smiling. Then, at 4.30pm, a quiet fireworks display - autism-friendly and kinder to wildlife and pets - will take place. Admittance to the festival is free but collections will be taken to help support other similar community events in the future.