Wits University's Disability Rights Unit (DRU) celebrated 40 years of supporting disabled students by removing barriers to education and promoting inclusion. Established in 1986, the DRU has grown from nine students to supporting over 1,126 students in 2025, emphasizing that accommodation is a human right, not a favor. The Unit's evolution from the Disabled Students Programme to the DRU reflects a shift toward empowerment and inclusion, with ongoing efforts in digital accessibility, neurodiversity, and systemic change.
Girls from immigrant backgrounds in Norway are diagnosed with ADHD significantly later than their peers, with those from non-Norwegian speaking families facing delays of up to two-and-a-half years. This delay may be due to language and cultural barriers, which could be exacerbating the under-recognition of ADHD in girls. The study highlights concerns that similar disparities may exist in the UK, where a large portion of the population speaks languages other than English.
Autism Learn & Play Inc. is expanding community partnerships to remove financial and logistical barriers that prevent underserved families from accessing essential autism services. By collaborating with schools, recreation centers, and service providers, the nonprofit offers inclusive programming at little or no cost, ensuring families can access support regardless of income. These partnerships also enhance program quality and promote broader community awareness and inclusion.
Centanafadine significantly reduces ADHD symptoms and shows anxiolytic effects in adults with comorbid ADHD and generalized or social anxiety disorder. The drug's triple reuptake inhibition mechanism may offer a therapeutic alternative to traditional stimulants, addressing the unmet need for effective treatments in this highly comorbid population. Improvements in executive function and emotional control suggest broader benefits beyond core ADHD symptoms.
Angela Keller, a disability rights advocate, is pushing for greater inclusion and awareness in memory of her daughter, Renesmee, who had disabilities. She is starting her own business to promote accessibility and is working to restore a playgroup at First Chance for Children to support families of children with disabilities. Keller is also involved in advocacy efforts through Kids Win Missouri and continues to honor her daughter's legacy through various initiatives.
A new study tracking over 64,000 children for nearly 30 years found that long-term use of ADHD stimulants has a negligible effect on adult height. The research accounted for genetic height potential and found that previous concerns about growth stunting were likely due to delayed maturation or group-level bias. The findings suggest that ADHD medications do not significantly impact adult height when considering individual genetic factors.
The U.S. government has appointed a new chair for the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, with the aim of improving coordination and advancing research efforts related to autism spectrum disorder. The new chair, selected by Senator Edward Kennedy, is expected to play a key role in shaping national policies and initiatives for autism. This move highlights the administration's commitment to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families.
ADHD symptoms often shift with age, with hyperactivity and impulsivity more common in childhood and inattention becoming more prominent in adolescence and adulthood. A 2021 study found that about 10% of individuals with ADHD achieve remission by young adulthood, while another 10% maintain the diagnosis throughout life, with most experiencing fluctuating symptoms. Inattention tends to persist into adulthood, while hyperactivity may shift to internal restlessness.
A 68-year-old Florida woman has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated abuse of a disabled adult after allegedly overdosing her two severely autistic sons with medication and then attempting to take her own life. The incident occurred following the death of her husband, which reportedly made caring for her sons increasingly difficult. All three individuals involved are expected to survive, with the sons to be placed under the care of Florida's Adult Protective Services once they are released from the hospital.
A new study found that nearly 44% of children with ADHD also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), highlighting a significant overlap between the two conditions. The research suggests that treating OSA through procedures like adenoidectomy can lead to improvements in both sleep and ADHD symptoms. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing sleep issues in children with ADHD to manage their symptoms more effectively.
Phase 3b trial results for SIMTRIYO® (centanafadine) show consistent improvements in ADHD symptoms, anxiety, and related features in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The findings were presented at Psych Congress 2026, highlighting the drug's potential efficacy across multiple domains. These results suggest SIMTRIYO® may offer a comprehensive treatment option for patients with both ADHD and anxiety.
A parent of a student with autism is advocating for the installation of a fence around the playground at a Rockford elementary school to ensure the child's safety. The request comes after concerns about the student's ability to navigate the open space safely. The parent hopes the fence will prevent wandering and provide a secure environment for the child.
A Pittsfield pharmacist has pleaded guilty to stealing Adderall and its generic equivalent from a CVS Pharmacy in Barnstable County. He admitted to five counts of acquiring a controlled substance through fraud, deception, and subterfuge. His sentencing is scheduled for December.
Proposals to limit formal ADHD diagnoses in the NHS have been criticized as healthcare rationing, with concerns that it will push people to self-diagnose via social media. The government review suggests a "needs-based" approach, prioritizing those most severely affected by ADHD, while offering support without formal diagnosis to others. Critics argue this could leave many without proper care and increase reliance on unverified online sources.
A woman in Runcorn died by suicide after a three-year wait for an ADHD assessment, according to a coroner's report which highlights significant delays, insufficient staffing, and lack of national guidelines as contributing factors. The coroner warned of a "significant risk of future deaths" unless ADHD services are improved. The report also noted the high demand on ADHD services, with over 1,250 patients waiting for assessments in 2024.
A large U.S. study found that screen time is not linked to language delays in autistic children, while shared book reading at home is associated with better language abilities. The research highlights that higher-income families may have stronger communication skills due to more frequent shared reading, but screen time does not negatively affect language development in autistic children. The findings suggest that environmental factors like shared reading, rather than screen time, play a significant role in shaping language abilities in autistic children.
"Stories from the Waiting Room" is a powerful theatrical production created by and for disabled artists, centering on their lived experiences, rights, and contributions. The performance uses diverse storytelling methods to highlight themes of inclusion, accessibility, and self-determination, offering an authentic and human perspective on disability rights. It was funded by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and has been touring in regional Victoria.
The term "neurodivergent" is increasingly used but lacks a clear, agreed-upon definition, leading to confusion in both academic and everyday contexts. Research shows that it is often applied to a wide range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, and others, without consistent diagnostic criteria. This ambiguity undermines its usefulness and highlights the need for more precise terminology.
Hispanic children who are neurodivergent are less likely to be diagnosed due to cultural and language barriers, as well as disparities in access to healthcare. These factors contribute to underdiagnosis and delayed support for neurodivergent Hispanic kids. The study highlights the need for improved cultural competence and language resources in diagnostic processes.
Bridges Middle School in Oregon is implementing specialized programs to better support neurodivergent students in their education. The school aims to address the unique challenges these students face by creating an inclusive and adaptive learning environment. This initiative highlights a growing effort to ensure equitable educational opportunities for neurodivergent youth.
