Age Distribution of Disability Groups by Type

Neurologists are raising alarms about the growing risk of “virtual autism”—a condition where excessive screen exposure in early childhood may lead to delayed speech, reduced social interaction, and attention difficulties, closely mimicking autism-like symptoms. Experts emphasize the importance of limiting screen time, encouraging real-world play, and fostering face-to-face communication to support healthy cognitive and emotional development. Early intervention and parental awareness remain critical to preventing long-term developmental challenges.

In this deeply personal piece that I wrote for CARES (Community-led Autism Research, Engagement, and Service) Living Autism blog; I reflect on my journey as an audhd woman of colour, navigating masking, late diagnosis, and the intersections of race, gender, and disability. It’s time we shift from pathologising difference to truly affirming it. You can read my full blog here:

🎥 New Video: Understanding the Role of Leucovorin in Autism Care 💊 Leucovorin (also known as folinic acid) is showing promise for some autistic individuals, especially in cases linked to cerebral folate deficiency. In this talk, experts explain how it works, why it matters, and what families and providers should know. At the Autism Knowledge Gateway (AKG), we believe that no one can reach their potential without basic health and wellness. By putting peer-reviewed research at the center of autism care, we can make sure interventions like leucovorin—and many others—reach the patients who need them most. ✨ Together, we can build better healthcare for autistic individuals. 🌐 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dRbGKaEP Casandra Oldham #AutismKnowledge #MedicalResearch #CerebralFolateDeficiency #Leucovorin #AutismTreatment #BetterKnowledgeBetterTomorrow #AutismCare #AutismSupport #PeerReviewedResearch #BiomedicalInterventions #FunctionalMedicineAndAutism #RecoveringFromAutism #TreatingAutism #MovingUpTheSpectrum #ComorbiditiesAndAutism #HolisticMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #PediatricsAndAutism #AutismAwarness #AutismCommunity #RevolutionizeCare #Autism #ASD #AutismKnowledgeGateway #CommunitySupport #HealthcareInnovation #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #InnovationInHealth #FutureOfHealth #TechInHealthcare #MedicalInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #StandardizedCare 💙🧩

🎥 New Video Spotlight: Understanding the Role of Leucovorin in Autism Care 💊 At TLI, we believe better data drives better care. The Autism Knowledge Gateway (AKG) is helping bridge critical gaps in autism research and care by making peer-reviewed science accessible to families, clinicians, and communities. Leucovorin (folinic acid) shows promise in cases linked to cerebral folate deficiency. This video explains how it works, why it matters, and what providers and families should know. ✨ By connecting innovation, data, and community knowledge, we’re moving toward a future where every autistic individual has access to the tools and care they need to thrive. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dRbGKaEP Together, let’s transform autism care with science and compassion. 💙🧩 #AutismKnowledge #MedicalResearch #CerebralFolateDeficiency #Leucovorin #AutismTreatment #BetterKnowledgeBetterTomorrow #AutismCare #AutismSupport #PeerReviewedResearch #BiomedicalInterventions #FunctionalMedicineAndAutism #RecoveringFromAutism #TreatingAutism #MovingUpTheSpectrum #ComorbiditiesAndAutism #HolisticMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #PediatricsAndAutism #AutismAwareness #AutismCommunity #RevolutionizeCare #Autism #ASD #AutismKnowledgeGateway #CommunitySupport #HealthcareInnovation #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #InnovationInHealth #FutureOfHealth #TechInHealthcare #MedicalInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #StandardizedCare

Many autistic adults feel torn about revealing their diagnosis — a new study explores why A new study published in the journal Autism sheds light on how autistic adults navigate the complex and deeply personal decision to share their autism diagnosis with others. Researchers found that disclosure can serve meaningful purposes, such as accessing support, fostering self-acceptance, and engaging in activism, but also exposes people to disbelief, stereotyping, and emotional vulnerability. The findings suggest that many newly diagnosed adults in the United Kingdom lack adequate guidance on how to manage disclosure and would benefit from more structured post-diagnostic support. Source in comments.

One thing that’s often misunderstood about the Equality Act is the idea that you must have a formal diagnosis to be considered disabled. You don’t. This includes many forms of neurodivergence (like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc.), which can be considered a disability under the Act if they have a substantial and long-term impact on day-to-day life. A formal diagnosis can be helpful, because it can explain where support might be needed. Sometimes employers ask for proof, like an NHS letter. But it’s important to know: > Employees are not legally required to provide this > They might not have any proof available > They may have their own personal reasons for not sharing a diagnosis If you take away anything from this post, let it be this: If someone tells you they need extra support due to a disability, form of neurodivergence, or health condition - believe them. There are no downsides to doing so. It makes sure they are supported and well, and you get the best out of them.

Almost 1 in 40 Australians are Autistic - that’s Aspect’s latest prevalence estimate, highlighted today on Sunrise (Channel 7, Seven Network). Aspect’s clinical psychologist Dr Fiona Aldridge and Professor Adam Guastella spoke with the Sunrise team about possible causes, persistent myths, and why more people are now receiving an autism diagnosis. The story highlights what many healthcare and education professionals already know: greater awareness, early detection and myth-busting make a real difference. Thank you to Fiona and our Assessment team for their daily work helping children and adults access timely, accurate diagnoses - opening doors to tailored supports, therapies and school or workplace adjustments, and giving families clarity about their strengths and needs. If you’re a professional supporting someone who may benefit from a diagnostic assessment, explore our process and resources 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCE_t6EV #Autism #UnderstandingAutism #AutismMyths #AutismDiagnosis

If you are supporting individuals through the autism diagnostic process, the new article by Abu-Ramadan et al. (2025) is an important read to better understand autistic adults’ experiences (mean age = 30.63 years). 48.1% of participants received an autism diagnosis before age 18, while 51.9% were diagnosed at 18 or older. 🔹 Many autistic adults reported a mismatch between the supports they received and what they actually wanted. For example, more autistic individuals wanted referrals or information for social skills/support, support groups, support at school or work, financial advice, housing resources, dating/romantic relationship support, resources for handling trauma, and resources for managing suicidality than what they actually received. 🔹 Barriers: Autistic adults described barriers such as long waiting times, cost, limited availability of knowledgeable professionals, and lack of accessible follow-up supports. 🔹Gender-diverse individuals face higher barriers to care than cisgender peers, including stress, doubts that providers will listen or understand, previous negative experiences, and concerns about receiving a diagnosis. They also encounter more identity-related barriers, such as fears of being disrespected or that visits won’t be sensitive to their identity 🔹 Satisfaction: Overall diagnostic satisfaction was strongly associated with post-diagnosis support. When the support aligned with their needs, satisfaction was much higher; when supports were missing or irrelevant, satisfaction declined. 👉 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/giKMEcVv #Autism #Diagnosis #Neurodiversity #AutismResearch #PostDiagnosisSupport #Inclusion #Autistic #Psychology #BCBA

Autism vs. Autism Spectrum Disorder. You might hear these terms used interchangeably, but there's a key difference. The infographic explains why "spectrum" is so important and how it encompasses a range of strengths, challenges, and support needs. To know more, visit : http://www.fratnow.com #Autism #AutismSpectrumDisorder #ASD #neurodiversity #autismawareness #developmentaldisability #FRATtest #FRATAutism #FRAT #FRATNow

❓ Feeling overwhelmed by all the autism treatments and advice out there? You’re not alone. So many families and even healthcare providers struggle to know what’s real, what’s safe, and what actually works. That’s why we created the Autism Knowledge Gateway (AKG) 💡—a trusted hub with thousands of peer-reviewed research articles, AI-powered insights, and easy-to-use tools to help you find answers that matter. 📚✨ With the AKG, you don’t have to guess—you can make informed decisions backed by science and shared by a community that understands. 💙 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dRbGKaEP Casandra Oldham #BetterKnowledgeBetterTomorrow #AutismCare #AutismSupport #PeerReviewedResearch #BiomedicalInterventions #FunctionalMedicineAndAutism #RecoveringFromAutism #TreatingAutism #MovingUpTheSpectrum #ComorbiditiesAndAutism #HolisticMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #PediatricsAndAutism #AutismAwarness #AutismCommunity #RevolutionizeCare #Autism #ASD #AutismKnowledgeGateway #CommunitySupport #HealthcareInnovation #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #InnovationInHealth #FutureOfHealth #TechInHealthcare #MedicalInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #StandardizedCare