A pioneering clinical trial called Ad-Smart is testing ADHD and diabetes drugs for Alzheimer’s, aiming to significantly speed up drug evaluation. The study, led by the UK Dementia Research Institute, uses an innovative design to assess multiple treatments simultaneously, potentially halving the time required for traditional trials. The initiative, supported by the UK government and involving over 20 NHS sites, seeks to identify effective therapies that address various mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Adults with ADHD often experience symptoms such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and disorganization, which can impact work and personal relationships. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, and treatment may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve quality of life for adults with ADHD.
ADHD lacks a definitive biomarker test but is scientifically valid, supported by consistent evidence including behavioral patterns, genetic factors, and measurable life impairments. Critics often question ADHD's legitimacy due to the absence of a biological test, but many valid disorders, such as migraines, also lack such tests. The 2021 World Federation of ADHD consensus affirms ADHD as a neurobiologically grounded and highly heritable condition.
Kevin Noki's ADHD ONE is a 3D-printed brick phone designed to minimize digital distractions by limiting smartphone functionality to basic calling features. The device uses Bluetooth to connect to an iPhone, featuring a physical keypad, OLED display, and speaker, while remaining in Do Not Disturb mode to filter calls. The design emphasizes tactile interaction and intentional use, drawing on the form of 1980s brick phones but incorporating modern components to support its anti-distraction purpose.
Bierman Autism Centers, founded in 2006, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 with over 30 centers across seven states, 400+ graduates, and a growing research program in ABA therapy. The organization focuses on measurable progress and creating a positive learning environment for children with autism.
Six Catholic organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged Congress to protect disability rights after the Department of Justice issued guidance that could lower the threshold for institutionalizing persons with disabilities. They called the narrower interpretation of the Olmstead ruling "deeply troubling," arguing it contradicts the Supreme Court's 1999 decision that individuals with disabilities have the right to integrated care settings. The letter emphasized the need for Congress to act to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities to live in their families and communities.
Children with autism spectrum disorder may have reduced fecal microbial diversity compared to typically developing children, according to recent research. This finding suggests a potential link between gut microbiota composition and autism, which could have implications for understanding the disorder's pathophysiology. The study highlights the importance of further investigating the role of the gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder.
A Shropshire business owner is partnering with Telford College to create employment and work-experience opportunities for neurodiverse students, leveraging his own experience as a neurodiverse individual. A student, Aimee Gibson, who was mentored through a work placement, has since secured a permanent job with the company and achieved academic success. The initiative aims to provide a supportive environment where neurodiverse students can build confidence, develop skills, and explore career paths that align with their strengths.
Community-driven initiatives are reshaping the neurodiversity movement in the U.K., with neurodivergent individuals leading efforts to challenge societal norms and create supportive environments. Up to 20% of the U.K. population identifies as neurodivergent, yet many face systemic neglect and stigma, prompting grassroots solutions and advocacy. Personal stories and lived experiences are central to redefining support systems and fostering inclusion in education and beyond.
Continuous performance tests (CPTs) can detect measurable differences in children with ADHD, such as reaction-time variability and error rates, but no single CPT format is specific enough to diagnose an individual child on its own. These tests provide objective data that complement clinical assessments, though newer systems with features like virtual classrooms or eye tracking require further validation. The review highlights that ADHD may involve fluctuating attention rather than a consistent deficit, explaining why group differences are clear but individual diagnostic accuracy remains limited.
Alegarbes, despite facing challenges from dyslexia and ADHD, has achieved success in his athletic career, proving that these conditions do not have to hinder one's dreams. His story highlights perseverance and determination in overcoming personal obstacles.
A 15-year-old boy with autism, Kamilo Giraldo, was found safe after an eight-hour search at Monmouth Battlefield State Park following his disappearance during a school field trip. The search involved hundreds of first responders, search dogs, and drones, highlighting the extensive effort to locate the missing teen. The boy was found shortly after 7 p.m., ending the search and allowing him to be reunited with his family.
HR teams need greater confidence and training to effectively support neurodivergent employees from the hiring process through onboarding, as highlighted by HR Recruit. Many organizations lack formal policies and processes for neurodiversity, with over half having no formal support systems in place and less than 20% providing line managers with training on neurodiversity. The confidence gap is evident in the early stages of employment, with few adjustments made before a new employee’s first day and many neurodivergent employees feeling unsafe or unsupported in the workplace.
Malawi's Minister Mary Thom Navicha has urged regional cooperation to better protect children with disabilities, including those with albinism, through stronger advocacy and civil society capacity. A regional workshop aimed at equipping disability and child rights organizations with skills to design advocacy initiatives and monitor child protection frameworks was launched in Lilongwe. The initiative seeks to foster collaboration among regional groups to promote inclusion and address systemic discrimination against vulnerable children.
Monaco has enacted major reforms to its disability law, introducing clearer distinctions between income support and disability-related cost assistance, and establishing new rights for caregivers of elderly dependents. The reforms, which take effect in 2027, also address issues with the transition of disabled individuals into age-related care systems and improve employment rights for people with disabilities. A new legal status for family caregivers and pension contributions for those taking career breaks to care for children with severe disabilities are also included.
Naidex 2027 will introduce a new Neurodiversity Stage at NEC Birmingham, featuring a two-day programme focused on neurodiversity, accessibility, and inclusion, bringing together neurodivergent individuals, professionals, and organisations. The stage will address challenges and innovations affecting autistic people and those with ADHD, covering topics such as education, employment, and independent living, and will complement Naidex’s existing events to foster collaboration across different life stages. The initiative aims to centre neurodivergent voices in discussions about accessibility and promote inclusive solutions.
A new sensory-friendly gym called The Stimming Co. has opened in Nogales, Arizona, offering a much-needed resource for children with autism and their families in a community previously lacking such facilities. The center was founded by Victoria Villa and Ashley Wilson, who faced significant challenges accessing care and therapy before the gym's opening. The space provides a supportive environment for children and parents, with affordable daily and monthly rates, and was made possible through a combination of personal contributions and a grant from South32.
A Northside ISD teacher is under investigation for allegedly abusing a nonverbal autistic student, Donovan Pena, at Zachry Middle School. The student's parents claim he began self-harming after witnessing the teacher screaming at and mocking him, and that the teacher failed to intervene during incidents of self-harm. Northside ISD has reported the case to authorities but confirmed the teacher remains employed.
A government review recommends shifting long-term ADHD care to primary care, with specialists handling complex cases and medication initiation, emphasizing the strong evidence base for medication over psychosocial treatments. The review highlights challenges in transitioning from diagnosis to treatment, with declining medication uptake and low GP acceptance of shared care. Despite pharmacists' potential role in ADHD management, they are scarcely mentioned in the review, despite successful examples where pharmacists have improved medication management and reduced consultant workload.
A new CDC study estimates that 17% of 8-year-old autistic children in the U.S. meet criteria for profound autism, a decrease from the previous 27% estimate due to an updated definition that includes adaptive functioning scores. The change in definition, along with an increasing overall number of autistic children, contributed to the lower prevalence rate. Experts note that despite the decline, the number of children requiring intensive support remains significant.
Sir John Hannam, a long-serving Conservative MP, has been a prominent campaigner for disability rights throughout his political career. He has consistently advocated for improved support and inclusivity for disabled individuals in the UK. His work has focused on ensuring better access to services and challenging discrimination faced by people with disabilities.
A study found that individuals with ADHD have higher death rates compared to those without the condition. The research also suggests that ADHD medication may offer some protective benefit, potentially reducing the risk of early death. These findings highlight the importance of proper treatment and management of ADHD.
A Phase 1B study found that ALKS 7290, an orexin 2 receptor agonist originally developed for narcolepsy, significantly improves ADHD symptoms in adults. This medication represents a new class of ADHD treatment that does not affect dopamine reuptake or release, potentially offering a safer alternative with fewer side effects than traditional stimulants. The drug activates orexin type 2 receptors, which regulate alertness and arousal, providing a targeted approach to ADHD treatment.
A Zachry Middle School teacher is under investigation for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old nonverbal autistic student named Donovan Pena. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and treatment of special needs students in the school system. Authorities are looking into the allegations to determine the full extent of the situation.
The UnderstandHER summit in Rogers highlighted the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, emphasizing the need for inclusive practices that support neurodiverse employees. Key discussions focused on how companies can adapt their environments to better accommodate individuals with conditions such as autism and ADHD. The summit aimed to promote understanding and create more supportive work cultures for neurodiverse individuals.
