14 articles
WOODTV.com
ArtPrize’s “Soul of Autism” project, led by photographer Erica Bacon, showcases 28 diverse portraits of individuals with autism, highlighting the unique experiences and stories of each person. The project grew beyond Bacon’s initial expectations, emphasizing the varied nature of autism and the personal connections formed during the photography process.
StudyFinds
Autistic adults on Medicaid have a life expectancy of 64.9 years, nearly 14 years shorter than the general U.S. population, according to a study analyzing data from over two million Medicaid beneficiaries. The research highlights significant disparities in mortality rates among autistic individuals, with preventable causes like flu deaths occurring at much higher rates in this group. While life expectancy for autistic Medicaid beneficiaries slightly increased between 2000 and 2020, the pandemic caused a sharp decline in 2020, exacerbating existing gaps in life expectancy.
Deadline
Bertil Nilsson's film "Masc" explores the intersectional experience of being queer, biracial, and autistic through the character of Robin, portrayed by Joshua Griffin. Nilsson emphasizes the importance of authentic representation, highlighting that autistic characters are often stereotyped in media. The film aims to contribute to more nuanced portrayals of both queer and autistic identities in cinema.
dongascience.com
A video game called GEODE developed by Boston University researchers measures visual perception in autistic adolescents and found that their slower learning and lower accuracy in the game are due to higher internal neural noise, not sensory or motor deficits. The study links this noise to instability in information integration, which affects perceptual processing. The findings suggest that cognitive challenges in ASD may be better understood as specific computational deficits rather than general impairments.
WRGB
BOTS, a local organization, has introduced 'Peace & Quiet' hours at libraries to provide a sensory-friendly environment for neurodivergent individuals. These designated times aim to reduce sensory overload and create a more comfortable space for those who may find traditional library settings overwhelming. The initiative highlights efforts to increase accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces.
CTV News
Indigo Alert Canada held a rally advocating for the protection and rights of neurodivergent individuals. Attendees emphasized the need for increased awareness, support systems, and legal safeguards to prevent discrimination and harm. The event highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety and inclusion of neurodivergent people in Canadian society.
Fair Play Talks
Despite increased corporate focus on neuroinclusion, neurodivergent workers in the UK continue to face significant workplace challenges, including higher burnout risks, poor psychological safety, and negative impacts from return-to-office mandates. The study highlights a gap between employer intent and employee experience, with many neurodivergent workers reporting inadequate support, inconsistent adjustments, and barriers to communication and disclosure. Psychological safety remains a critical issue, as it directly affects wellbeing, career satisfaction, and retention among neurodivergent employees.
keyc.com
A Minnesota police officer rescued a 5-year-old boy with autism from a pond after the child wandered away from home. The officer entered the water to save the boy, who was struggling in the deep end, and was aided by a drone that helped locate the child quickly. The incident highlights the effectiveness of St. Paul's Docked Drone Program in emergency response, though the program has faced some community concerns.
LI Press
The article highlights the importance of maintaining and expanding disability rights, particularly emphasizing the need to uphold community integration over institutionalization. It expresses concern over the U.S. Department of Justice's recent opinion that could weaken protections established under Olmstead v. L.C., which affirmed the right to services in the most integrated settings. The author stresses that progress in disability rights has been hard-won and must not be reversed, as it is a moral imperative to ensure dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all individuals with disabilities.
CTV News
Researchers have created a video game to better understand how autistic individuals process information, offering a new tool for studying cognitive differences. The game provides insights into autistic perception and decision-making through interactive gameplay. This approach may improve future research and support for autistic individuals.
ScienceAlert
A study found that children with ADHD exhibit greater variability in their pupils' responses during a memory task compared to those without ADHD, suggesting subtle differences in attention and engagement. Medication with methylphenidate reduced this variability, but researchers caution that the change may be due to the drug's direct effects on the body rather than improved attention. These findings highlight the potential of pupil dynamics as an indirect indicator of ADHD-related attention patterns.
Jersey Evening Post
Jersey officials are investigating why the number of children on ADHD medication has risen sharply post-pandemic and has not decreased as expected. Children’s Minister Richard Vibert noted a "massive increase" in ADHD medication use during the pandemic, with 771 children currently on treatment and 187 awaiting assessments. Scrutiny panel members are concerned about the long-term implications and the need to understand the reasons behind the sustained high numbers.
StudyFinds
People with ADHD are significantly more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues, including encopresis, with over four times the odds compared to those without ADHD. A review of 23 studies involving over 1.9 million people found that individuals with ADHD had 48% higher odds of overall gastrointestinal symptoms and notably higher odds for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and abdominal pain. The findings suggest a strong link between ADHD and everyday gut symptoms that may be related to behavioral, neurological, or genetic factors.
PsyPost
Unintentional mind wandering is linked to higher levels of inattentive and hyperactive traits in adults with ADHD through two distinct mechanisms: a general tendency to experience such mind wandering and performance drops during these episodes. The study highlights that both the frequency of spontaneous mind wandering and the impact it has on real-time task performance are associated with ADHD symptoms. These findings suggest that spontaneous mind wandering may be a key mechanism underlying attention difficulties in ADHD.
Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors; the linked article is the authority.
