30 August 2026

Other

• ‘Horsegirls’ Review: Neurodivergent Coming-of-Age Tearjerker with Huge Heart · UWM Post
  The independent film Horsegirls centers on Margarita, a neurodivergent 22-year-old navigating her mother's serious illness while finding community and strength through a hobby horsing team. Authenticity was paramount in the production, with director Lauren Meyering ensuring genuine representation by casting neurodivergent actress Lillian Carrier and consulting closely with those on the spectrum. The result is a heartfelt coming-of-age dramedy that has been praised for its realistic portrayal of neurodivergence and emotional resonance. Permalink
• Autism Society of Mahoning Valley Welcomes New Board Members · Business Journal Daily
  The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley has appointed four new board members to support its strategic growth and expansion of programs. These additions bring diverse professional expertise in human resources, healthcare, workforce development, and real estate to strengthen the organization's leadership. The new directors aim to enhance partnerships and community engagement for individuals and families across the Mahoning Valley. Permalink
• Community can step up to raise money for Autism Dog Services next month · BurlingtonToday.com
  The community is urged to participate in a fundraising campaign scheduled for next month to support Autism Dog Services. These funds are essential for maintaining the organization's ability to provide service dogs that assist individuals with autism. Permalink
• Disability rights activist resigns as Seoul ambassador after critics accuse him of leaving ordinary worker open to hate · Korea JoongAng Daily
  YouTuber and disability rights activist Park We has resigned as a Seoul city ambassador following public backlash over a viral video that appeared to shame an assisting railway worker. Critics accused Park of leaving the worker vulnerable to online hate after he initially posted footage of a fall incident, prompting him to delete the video and apologize. The Seoul Metropolitan Government confirmed his resignation due to numerous complaints regarding the controversy, ending his two-year term roughly ten months early. Permalink
• Former autism center manager resigned over Providence program closure · HeraldNet.com
  Jill McDaniel, former manager of the Providence Boyden Family Autism Center, resigned in protest after the organization announced the closure of its state-only brid program for children with autism. McDaniel criticized the decision as rushed and misrepresented, alleging that Providence exaggerated the program's cost impact to justify ending essential services needed by families. The healthcare provider maintains the closure is necessary to preserve access to other critical autism care operations amidst financial challenges. Permalink
• IACC Reportedly Adopts Advisory Autism Services and Research Roadmap · findarticles.com
  The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee has adopted a strategic advisory roadmap proposing annual targets of $760 million for services and $270 million for research, including controversial studies on folate biology. This non-binding plan prioritizes specific biomedical investigations alongside service supports, prompting criticism from researchers who argue the focus lacks sufficient evidence and overlooks established needs in communication and living models. The adoption influences future federal priorities but does not authorize immediate funding or alter existing medical care protocols. Permalink
• Kennedy’s quiet hunt for autism culprits stalls as Trump orders baseless changes to childhood shots · nny360.com
  Despite President Trump's executive order reducing childhood vaccines based on the unfounded claim that they cause autism, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s secretive research has failed to produce any scientific evidence linking the two. Kennedy's anti-vaccine assertions have largely withstood scrutiny by mainstream science, which attributes autism primarily to genetics and known environmental factors rather than immunizations. Permalink
• Living Desert Zoo Renews Certified Autism Center Designation · Patch
  The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation, requiring updated autism-specific training for the majority of its guest-facing staff to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. This initiative, along with the provision of sensory resources and accessibility accommodations, aims to create a more inclusive environment by addressing common barriers such as crowds and noise. The renewal also reinforces Greater Palm Springs' status as a Certified Autism Destination, highlighting the region's commitment to accessible wildlife experiences. Permalink
• Long‐Term Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Population‐Based Matched Cohort Study · onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  A large population-based study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have a significantly increased long-term risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to the general population. This association highlights a potential immune comorbidity link between the two conditions that warrants further clinical attention. The findings are based on data from over 46,000 ASD cases matched with nearly 4.7 million controls in Swedish registers. Permalink
• People With ADHD And Autism May Be 4x Likelier To Face Tissue Disorders · HuffPost UK
  A study analyzing health data from 117 million US adults and teens found that individuals with ADHD and autism are up to four times more likely to develop connective tissue disorders than those without these neurodivergent conditions. This increased risk, which affects tissues supporting bones, organs, and muscles, was most pronounced in patients diagnosed with both ADHD and autism. Permalink
• Plans for new home for children with autism · Yahoo News Canada
  Include In Autism has submitted plans to convert a vacant property in Sunderland into a specialist residential care home for up to two children with autism and additional needs. The Ofsted-regulated facility would provide 24-hour care and dedicated staffing for ages five to seventeen, aiming to secure the building's long-term use while meeting urgent local demand. A decision on the proposal will follow a public consultation period. Permalink
• Rotterdam community event offers autism safety resources for families · WNYT.com
  Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will host a free community event in Rotterdam on August 31 to provide autism safety resources and wandering prevention strategies for families. Attendees will learn practical techniques to reduce risks, utilize safety technology tools, and build personalized emergency plans with support networks. Permalink
• Westmeath couple on planning a neurodivergent-friendly wedding · RTE.ie
  Engaged couple Cathal Cully and Rebecca Wilson launched the 'Different Minds, Same Heart' campaign to raise awareness for neurodiversity while planning a wedding tailored to their autistic and ADHD needs. After receiving late diagnoses, they highlight how traditional testing formats often fail neurodivergent individuals and aim to educate society on creating more supportive environments through understanding diverse neurotypes. Permalink
• What do Irish experts think about controversial ADHD claims? · The Irish Times
  A Channel Four documentary featuring psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton has sparked debate by portraying ADHD as a controversial diagnosis rather than a medical disorder and suggesting environmental modifications can replace medication. The film highlights divergent expert views while documenting a young boy who temporarily stopped his medication to try lifestyle changes, ultimately leading to his return to drug treatment due to worsening classroom behavior. This content reflects ongoing skepticism among some media figures and experts regarding the validity of ADHD diagnoses and the necessity of pharmaceutical interventions. Permalink

Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.