A 19-year-old former Wendy’s manager, Michiko Burton, was arrested and charged with simple assault and false imprisonment after allegedly tying a neurodivergent employee to a grill as part of a TikTok trend. The employee’s family and coworkers disputed Burton’s claim that the act was a joke, and the incident led to the employee being referred to Adult Protective Services and the manager being fired. Wendy’s stated the behavior was inconsistent with their values and that appropriate action was taken.
Alkermes plc's stock rose 6.5% after its ADHD drug ALKS 7290 showed clinically meaningful symptom improvement in a Phase 1b trial, marking the first evidence of an orexin 2 receptor agonist's efficacy in treating adult ADHD. The drug demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in ADHD symptoms and improved disease severity with a favorable safety profile. A Phase 2 study is currently underway, with results expected in 2027.
The Trump administration's attempt to roll back community integration requirements for people with disabilities risks a return to forced institutionalization, based on an ableist argument that disabled individuals are burdensome to society. This effort, supported by states like Texas and Florida, could lead to increased segregation and a broader rollback of rights for both disabled and nondisabled people. The administration's move contradicts decades of progress and ignores the higher cost and ethical concerns of institutional care compared to community-based support.
Manufacturers often use neurodiverse-friendly design as a marketing tactic rather than genuine innovation, with many product claims focusing on superficial changes. Foster highlights skepticism about the industry's sincerity, urging designers to scrutinize brand claims and ensure neurodiverse individuals are involved in the design process. Current practices risk misleading designers and failing neurodiverse individuals if claims are not addressed authentically.
An autistic student at UNC Charlotte recounts an experience where a classmate made a hurtful joke about autism in class, and the professor's silence left them to address the issue alone. The letter highlights the challenges autistic students face in academic environments, including social isolation, mental health struggles, and a lack of support. It calls for better understanding and inclusion of autistic and neurodivergent individuals in higher education.
Macon County has launched Project SAFER Spectrum to improve interactions between first responders and autistic or neurodivergent individuals by providing training and resources. The initiative includes sensory support bags with communication tools and sensory items to help manage crisis situations. The program aims to enhance understanding and preparedness among first responders to better assist autistic individuals during emergencies.
Miami-Dade County officials are taking steps to enhance voting access for neurodiverse individuals ahead of the midterm elections. Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia stressed the importance of neurodivergent voters participating in the democratic process. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 5, with the election set for Nov. 3.
A fraud investigation into an autism center linked to a friend of Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has sparked political backlash, with Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya discussing the implications on 'The Ingraham Angle.' The probe has intensified scrutiny over Flanagan's associations and raised questions about potential misconduct. The situation has become a focal point in the ongoing political discourse in Minnesota.
North Texas police officers with personal experience with autism are working to improve how law enforcement interacts with individuals on the spectrum. Their efforts aim to create more effective and compassionate responses during police encounters. The initiative highlights the importance of understanding autism to enhance public safety and community trust.
Plopsa De Panne still requires a designated companion for visitors with autism who cannot stand in regular queues, despite earlier policy changes not yet being implemented. The Foundation Uit met Autisme criticizes this rule, highlighting that it can create unnecessary barriers even for visitors who are otherwise capable of enjoying the park independently. A hearing at the Flemish Institute for Human Rights on December 10, 2026, will address the issue, following a similar ruling in the Netherlands that prohibited Plopsa from making distinctions based on disability.
Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, suggested in his memoir that she may have had undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, based on her behavior and struggles with emotions and memory. He believes these conditions, combined with the pressure she faced, helped explain her personality and actions. Spencer also mentioned that Diana was highly sensitive to rejection and could become easily upset.
A 19-year-old Wendy's manager in Tennessee was charged with simple assault and false imprisonment after allegedly tying a neurodivergent co-worker to a grill, claiming it was part of a TikTok trend. Another employee disputed the claim, stating the incident was not related to social media. Wendy's emphasized that employee safety is a top priority and that the behavior does not align with their company values.
Financial planning must adapt to support neurodivergent individuals to prevent burnout and retain talent. Anna Butcher, a neurodivergent professional in financial services, highlights the need for more inclusive environments in the industry. She has launched the Uniquely Wired Network to address these challenges and promote neurodiversity in advisory firms.
