Shashi, a 32-year-old from Himachal Pradesh born with a disability affecting both her legs, defied societal and personal challenges to pursue education and a career in para badminton. Despite facing limited opportunities in her rural environment, she completed multiple degrees and moved to different cities for training, overcoming obstacles like the pandemic and financial struggles. Today, she balances her professional role with IndiGo Airlines and continues training for para badminton, demonstrating resilience and determination.
A documentary questioning the validity of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder and the effectiveness of stimulant treatment sparked strong opposition from ADHD UK, which claimed the program would cause harm and mislead the public. The article challenges ADHD UK's assertion that ADHD is a settled medical condition, arguing that the science remains controversial and lacks sufficient evidence regarding diagnosis and treatment safety. It highlights concerns over the high rates of ADHD diagnosis and the need for more rigorous examination of the condition's validity and the long-term effects of medication.
A child with autism was not identified by Scott County elementary school staff, raising concerns about the school's ability to recognize and support students with special needs. The incident highlights potential gaps in training and awareness regarding autism among educators. The case has sparked calls for improved screening and support systems in local schools.
Cross-party MPs in Bangladesh have formed a disability rights caucus to advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. The caucus aims to promote policies that ensure equal opportunities and access to services for disabled individuals. This initiative reflects a growing political commitment to addressing disability rights across party lines.
New Jersey's Lt. Governor, Dale Caldwell, is reportedly under investigation for potential ethics violations. The inquiry is reportedly related to his actions while serving as a state senator. The investigation is being handled by the state's ethics commission.
Chris Esquivel, a sophomore at Fulton High School born with autism, has earned a spot on the football team and is making a significant impact as a right tackle and defensive lineman. His determination, effort, and positive attitude have inspired teammates and coaches alike, and he is helping lead the team to success. Esquivel's journey from being cut from the basketball team to becoming a key player on the football field highlights his perseverance and growth.
The government has committed to establishing a parliamentary caucus focused on disability rights. This move aims to enhance legislative efforts and promote inclusive policies for people with disabilities. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on addressing disability-related issues within the political framework.
Hi Rasmus has raised $50 million in a minority investment from Updata Partners to scale its autism care technology platform, which supports over 19.6 million hours of client sessions annually and serves organizations across 50 U.S. states and 90 countries. The funding will accelerate product development, AI capabilities, and expansion efforts, with Updata's Braden Snyder joining Hi Rasmus' board. The company aims to expand its impact on autism care while maintaining its mission-driven focus.
Chinese scientists have developed gene-edited puppies using CRISPR technology to produce dogs with increased muscle mass and reduced fat, raising ethical and regulatory concerns. The research highlights the potential of gene editing in enhancing animal traits but also sparks debates about the implications for animal welfare and the commercialization of genetic modifications. The study underscores the need for careful oversight as the field of gene-edited animals advances.
A case report highlights significant reduction in domestic violence and aggressive behaviors in an individual with comorbid ADHD and conduct disorder after initiating methylphenidate treatment. The findings suggest that methylphenidate may effectively mitigate aggressive behaviors associated with these conditions. The case underscores the potential therapeutic benefit of stimulant medications in managing aggression in patients with ADHD and conduct disorder.
JONAPWD urges leaders to challenge harmful beliefs that expose persons with disabilities to abuse and calls for stronger partnerships to protect them from gender-based violence. The organization emphasizes the need for creating supportive environments for survivors and ensuring access to justice, particularly for deaf individuals through sign language. Action plans were adopted during the dialogue, involving government agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders.
A new parent-report questionnaire, Q-SoCiAL, has been validated for assessing verbal social communication in young autistic children aged two to six, offering a reliable and developmentally appropriate tool for tracking progress in clinical trials and interventions. The study highlights the lack of suitable measurement tools for social communication in autism and addresses this by developing a questionnaire based on input from parents, teachers, and clinicians, emphasizing strengths-based, competency-oriented measures. The tool demonstrates high reliability and was developed following FDA guidelines for patient-focused assessments.
Phoenix has become the largest U.S. city to earn the Certified Autism Center designation, following specialized training for over 80% of front-facing city employees. The certification, awarded by IBCCES, highlights Phoenix's commitment to supporting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Mayor Kate Gallego emphasized the city's effort to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.
The state of Illinois is defending its medically assisted end-of-life law in federal court, arguing that disability rights groups lack legal standing to challenge the law. Disability advocates claim the law lacks sufficient protections for people with disabilities and could harm the doctor-patient relationship. A judge is expected to rule on an injunction before the law takes effect on September 12.
Tallahassee golfer Ian Kelley, who has autism, was awarded the prestigious Dougie Award by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation's Stars Golf Tour for his contributions to adaptive golf and advocacy for people with autism. The honor came after he competed in the two-day tournament in New York, where he was recognized for his journey and impact on others. Kelley, who has been involved in golf since childhood and now works with individuals with special needs, dedicated the award to those who have supported him throughout his life.
ADHD is not a flaw but a different cognitive style that can enhance creativity, according to research published in iScience. The study suggests that the same neural networks responsible for attention are also key to creative thinking, with ADHD brains naturally processing information in a broader, more associative way. Engaging in creative activities may help individuals with ADHD harness their unique cognitive strengths and improve focus.
New research found a significant increase in autism diagnoses among women, with female diagnoses nearly doubling from 2016 to 2024, particularly after 2020, suggesting improved recognition rather than a true increase in prevalence. The male-to-female diagnosis ratio may be closer to three-to-one rather than the commonly cited four-to-one, possibly due to differences in how autism presents in women, such as camouflaging behaviors. Female diagnoses occurred at an older age on average, indicating potential delays in identification.
Young autistic children demonstrate spontaneous visual perspective-taking abilities, challenging previous assumptions about their social cognitive capacities. The study introduced a simplified task that effectively measures this ability, offering a more suitable method for assessing developmental populations. These findings suggest that autistic children can naturally take others' visual perspectives, highlighting the importance of task design in capturing such abilities.
