The article highlights the neurodiversity movement's shift from a deficit-based model to a strengths-based approach, emphasizing the value of neurodivergent traits and the need for inclusive, comprehensive strategies to support neurodiverse individuals. It introduces the strengths-based model of neurodiversity (SBMN), which integrates multiple psychological and psychiatric frameworks to promote well-being, personal growth, and the realization of individual potential. The movement aligns with broader diversity initiatives and aims for inclusion, equality, and the recognition of neurodiversity as natural variations rather than disorders.
The Trump administration halted enforcement of federal disability rights laws following lawsuits from several states. This move significantly weakened protections for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision drew criticism from advocates who warned of increased discrimination and barriers to access.
An Australian sprinter and medical student, Olufemi Komolafe, has lost his Stawell Gift title and $40,000 prize after a positive anti-doping test linked to prescribed ADHD medication. He received a 12-month ban, reduced from a potential four-year suspension, due to the inadvertent use of a prohibited substance. Komolafe's victory in the prestigious race was overturned following an investigation by Sport Integrity Australia.
Gene activity in the prefrontal cortex of 17 mouse models with autism-linked variants falls into two opposing transcriptomic patterns: one with reduced neuronal communication gene activity and increased DNA/RNA regulation gene activity, and the other with the reverse. This study suggests that diverse genetic changes in autism may converge on a few recurring molecular states, offering a framework for organizing autism-related genes into biologically meaningful groups. The findings highlight the importance of considering sex, developmental stage, and environmental factors, as some mice showed shifts between the two groups over time.
Catholic Autism UK has been launched to support autistic Catholics, their families, and parish communities by reducing isolation and promoting inclusive pastoral care and education. The organization aims to act as a catalyst for change by addressing barriers to participation in sacramental preparation and faith formation programs, which often result from a lack of consideration for neurodiverse needs.
Amelia Hooper from Brain Space emphasizes that neurodivergent children can succeed with the right support, encouraging parents to build early relationships with teachers and maintain open communication. She highlights the importance of parents and teachers working together to understand the child's unique needs and strengths. Brain Space offers resources for parents seeking guidance in supporting their neurodivergent children.
The California Disability Leadership Alliance released a State of the State report emphasizing the urgent need for disability-inclusive policies ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. The report highlights significant gaps in disability rights and calls on California to lead by implementing reforms in areas such as housing, transportation, and emergency preparedness. It urges lawmakers to act now to protect disability rights amid federal rollbacks and positions disability-led organizations as key partners in shaping effective legislation.
St John’s Church in Liverpool has installed a multi-sensory calm zone to support neurodiverse worshippers, offering a space with adjustable lighting, sound control, and thematic resources aligned with weekly services. The initiative aims to ensure inclusivity by allowing individuals with autism and ADHD to engage with worship in a way that suits their needs without feeling excluded. The project, funded by a disability parish-project grant, emphasizes equal participation and spiritual connection for all.
Autistic children are frequently diagnosed with co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions, with the prevalence of these conditions varying based on the timing of the autism diagnosis. Earlier autism diagnosis is associated with a higher likelihood of co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions, suggesting that early identification may reveal more complex presentations of autism. The study highlights the importance of understanding how diagnostic timing influences the recognition and management of co-occurring conditions in autistic children.
Denver is expanding specialized classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students with autism, providing more individualized support and flexible learning environments. These centers feature smaller class sizes, more staff, and versatile setups to meet the diverse needs of students. The approach allows for both group activities and individualized instruction tailored to each student's requirements.
A middle school teacher in Huron Township is accused of pushing a student with autism. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of students with disabilities in educational settings. Authorities are investigating the allegations.
A Dublin high school senior, Bhavya Dwivedi, develops hands-on STEM lessons that help neurodivergent students better understand complex scientific concepts by connecting them to real-life experiences. Her interactive teaching methods, including DIY kits and visual aids, have successfully engaged students who previously struggled with traditional instruction. Dwivedi's approach emphasizes curiosity and adaptability, allowing students to grasp abstract ideas through tangible, relatable demonstrations.
An autistic man, Lorenzo Lopez, died from heat exposure after being left alone in a transport van outside his Mesa care facility, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. His family is delaying a wrongful death lawsuit while police investigate, as evidence suggests an employee may have incorrectly marked him as present despite him remaining in the van. The family seeks accountability and justice to prevent similar incidents.
The first neurodivergent day program in southeast Florida, Northstar Day Program, opened in Palm Beach Gardens to provide education, therapy, and behavioral health care for children aged 5 to 12 with neurodivergent needs such as ADHD, autism, and others. The program aims to offer accessible services that are uncommon in the region and has received support from various officials. Northstar plans to expand the facility in the near future.
People with ADHD burn out 2 to 3 times faster than others due to the constant cognitive effort required to function in a neurotypical world. While ADHD involves persistent executive dysfunction that is always present, burnout-related executive dysfunction is acquired and typically follows periods of chronic stress. Both conditions share similar symptoms but differ in their underlying causes and timelines.
Claims that individuals with ADHD can "mask" their symptoms are influencing ADHD diagnosis by potentially leading to underdiagnosis, as some may not recognize or report symptoms accurately. This phenomenon may be more common in women and those from marginalized communities, complicating efforts to identify and treat ADHD effectively. The concept of masking highlights the need for more nuanced diagnostic approaches that account for individual differences in symptom expression.
NHS spending on private ADHD assessors in Britain has surged, raising concerns over the credibility of private assessments and potential over-diagnosis among affluent patients. In Cambridge, while ADHD diagnosis rates are rising, disclosure rates remain below the national average, and there is a growing skepticism towards ADHD assessments, with some media and public figures suggesting that diagnoses are being sought as a shortcut for academic accommodations. The article highlights a growing divide in access to ADHD assessments, with wealthier individuals more likely to receive diagnoses due to private options, while Cambridge’s institutions remain cautious and restrictive in their approach.
A government study found that medical marijuana can help individuals with autism reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for autism-related mental health challenges. The findings support the use of medical marijuana as a treatment option for some autistic individuals.
Automated hiring systems often reinforce biases, including ageism and neuroexclusion, by relying on historically biased data that fails to account for neurodivergent candidates. These systems may inadvertently exclude qualified individuals by misinterpreting or undervaluing traits common in neurodivergent people, perpetuating cycles of discrimination and unemployment. Human bias can be corrected locally, but algorithmic bias embedded in widespread automated systems poses a greater and more systemic threat to fair hiring practices.
A new report highlights that tailored employment support enables neurodivergent individuals to thrive in the workplace, leading to benefits for both individuals and the economy. The government is implementing initiatives such as Connect to Work, which provides personalized support to help neurodivergent and learning-disabled people find suitable roles. The report also emphasizes the need for proactive workplace design that accommodates all employees from the outset, rather than making reactive adjustments.
A new study reveals a high prevalence of neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and autism, among individuals with early-onset Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed before age 20, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare accessibility and support. The research highlights potential links between neurodivergence and T2D, including factors like reduced physical activity, sleep issues, and barriers to healthcare, but notes the study was observational and does not confirm causation. The findings call for tailored clinical planning to address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals with early-onset T2D.
A new art space in Venice, Limitless Art Space, showcases work by neurodivergent artists and offers free weekend workshops for the public to engage in creative activities. The nonprofit Help Group opened the space with a donated venue, combining a gallery, shop, and interactive art areas to support student programs and foster community engagement. The initiative aims to create an inclusive and joyful environment where people of all ages can explore art together.
Oklahoma's Medicaid cuts and changes in the administration of SoonerCare are threatening access to essential autism therapies for children, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other critical services. New rules and service-hour caps imposed by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) may limit necessary care, despite national standards supporting individualized, evidence-based treatment. Experts urge the state to align with nationally accepted practices and avoid unnecessary administrative barriers that hinder access to care for children with autism.
Disability Rights UK, Trust for London, and Braw Data are conducting a UK-wide research project to map funding to the disability sector, aiming to support funding justice for Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs). The project involves DPOs completing a 30-minute online form to verify their classification and funding sources, for which they will be paid £50. The research will produce the largest map of DPOs across the UK, aiding sector connection and promotion.
A scoping review of 72 studies from 2019 to 2025 reveals that technology-based interventions for autism, such as virtual reality and socially assistive robots, are rapidly expanding but lack standardization, making comparisons across studies difficult. The research categorizes these interventions into four main pathways—XR, SAR, EXG, and HYB—with XR and SAR being the most prominent. However, the focus of these technologies largely targets social communication and cognitive skills, neglecting critical areas like sensory processing and daily-living skills, which are essential for real-world functioning in autism.
Two neurodivergent students from Sandwich Middle High School attended the 2026 Neurodiversity Leadership Summit in Denver, where they participated as leaders of the Eye to Eye mentoring program, which connects neurodivergent high school students with younger peers. The students credited the summit with helping them feel less isolated and more empowered, while also highlighting the program's growing impact at their school, with more than 40 students signed up this year. The summit emphasized inclusivity and celebrated the strengths of neurodivergent learners, with the students serving as role models for their peers.
The article highlights how individuals with ADHD often face misunderstandings and challenges in various aspects of life, such as school, work, and personal relationships, due to the misperception of ADHD as simply an inability to sit still or pay attention. It emphasizes that ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disability affecting multiple brain functions, particularly executive functions, which are crucial for daily tasks and long-term success. The stories presented illustrate the need for greater awareness and understanding of ADHD to provide appropriate support and accommodations.
Trainers, coaches, and guides in Teylingen attended an information evening to learn how to better support children with ADHD and autism in sports. The event, organized by several local organizations, focused on sharing experiences and discussing case studies to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate. The initiative is part of a broader program called "clubkadercoaching," aimed at training coaches to handle various challenges in youth sports.
Tris Pharma has agreed to pay Texas $7.5 million to settle allegations that it made misleading claims about the effectiveness of its ADHD medication, Dyanavel XR, marketed to children. The settlement resolves claims that the company overstated the drug's benefits and misled Texas Medicaid providers through sales representatives. The agreement does not admit guilt, but acknowledges disputed facts and aims to avoid prolonged litigation.
The Trump administration reversed its stance on the integration of people with disabilities by allowing a federal judge to remove references to "integration" from Section 504 regulations, effectively weakening protections that required services to be provided in the most integrated settings. Disability rights advocates expressed outrage, fearing this move undermines the rights of disabled individuals and could lead to increased segregation. Efforts are now focused on proposed legislation and state-level actions to reinforce integration protections.
