28 September 2026

Other

• ‘Be patient and be kind’: Council Bluffs mom says Halloween should include everyone, even kids with autism · KETV
  A mother from Council Bluffs emphasizes the importance of inclusivity during Halloween, advocating for patience and kindness toward children with autism. She highlights the need for communities to ensure that Halloween is a welcoming and accessible experience for all children. The message underscores the value of understanding and accommodating diverse needs during festive occasions. Permalink
• 'Heartbreak' as caravans for neurodivergent children may be forced to close · BBC
  A caravan facility in Wales providing holiday accommodation for neurodivergent children may be forced to close due to the age of the units, which need replacing within the next few years. The project, started by mother Niaomi Flewers, offers specialized sensory and safety features but faces financial challenges, with replacement costs estimated at £60,000. Despite high demand and positive impact, the owner is struggling to maintain the facility due to park rules requiring caravan replacements every 15 years. Permalink
• 'No Pill Makes You Study Better': Korea Flags 1,733 Illegal ADHD Drug Ads · Seoul Economic Daily
  South Korea has identified 1,733 illegal online postings selling ADHD medication methylphenidate, which is being falsely promoted as a study-enhancing drug. The government plans a special inspection in October ahead of the college entrance exam and warns of serious side effects from misuse, including headaches, anxiety, and hallucinations. Public awareness campaigns emphasize that the drug is not a performance booster but a controlled medication requiring a proper diagnosis. Permalink
• ADHD learning strategies at home · BBC
  Children with ADHD can benefit from home learning environments that accommodate their unique ways of absorbing information, such as movement-based activities and creative, child-led approaches. Tailoring learning strategies to individual needs, rather than expecting traditional classroom methods, can enhance focus and motivation. Encouraging curiosity and involving the child in developing their learning plan helps improve engagement and self-regulation. Permalink
• ADHD Narcotic Medications Prescribed to 964 Children Under Age 6 Over Three Years · 아시아경제
  Over three years, 964 children under the age of six received ADHD narcotic medications, despite these drugs being approved only for children aged six and older. The majority of these prescriptions were given to five-year-olds, and prescription rates among adolescents aged 13 to 18 have sharply increased, raising concerns about misuse and the need for stricter age-based prescription guidelines. Permalink
• Are autistic people more vulnerable to extremist content? · The Conversation
  Some research suggests autistic individuals may be more vulnerable to extremist content due to characteristics like fixated interests and rigid thinking, especially when combined with social isolation and limited support. However, autism alone does not explain extremist behavior, and more research is needed to understand the complex factors involved. Current studies rely heavily on forensic case studies due to challenges in identifying and studying individuals engaged in extremist activities. Permalink
• Dear Annie: My grandson with ADHD thinks he's stupid and it's breaking my heart · AL.com
  A grandmother shares her concern about her grandson with ADHD, who struggles with self-esteem and believes he is stupid, causing her deep emotional pain. The letter highlights the emotional toll ADHD can have on children and their families. It underscores the need for support and understanding to help children with ADHD build self-confidence. Permalink
• Maine Wire Investigation Prompts DHHS to Strip Autism Group Home Licenses - Four and Counting... · The Maine Wire
  Maine's Department of Health and Human Services has cut funding to Quality Care Access, an autism group home operator, after inspectors found severe neglect, including unattended medically fragile residents and failure to follow medical orders. The company, which billed MaineCare over $27.8 million in five years, faces an Oct. 13 funding deadline after DHHS refused to issue provisional licenses. The decision follows an investigation by The Maine Wire, which exposed whistleblower allegations of poor care and excessive billing rates. Permalink
• Negative consequences of 2500 “Free” ADHD assessments · InSight+
  A study highlights the negative consequences of 2500 "free" ADHD assessments, revealing potential overdiagnosis, inappropriate medication prescriptions, and increased healthcare system burden. The assessments, often conducted by unqualified providers, may lead to misdiagnosis and long-term harm for individuals. The article calls for stricter regulation and oversight of ADHD screening practices. Permalink
• Opinion: Optimising neuroinclusive vehicle handovers for all drivers · FleetNews
  The article highlights the need for more inclusive and effective vehicle handover processes, especially for neurodivergent drivers, who often struggle with organization and time management. A recent survey found that 78% of motorists want more time and support from car providers to understand new vehicle technology. The article suggests using innovative solutions, such as QR codes linked to concise instructional videos, to improve understanding and accessibility for all drivers. Permalink
• People with higher autistic traits tend to avoid positive relationship-maintenance tactics · PsyPost
  People with higher autistic-like traits tend to avoid positive relationship-maintenance behaviors, such as showing affection or giving compliments, according to a study published in Evolutionary Psychology. The research found that these traits influence relationship dynamics primarily through attachment style, rather than evolutionary reproductive strategies. The study suggests that insecure attachment, rather than a slow reproductive strategy, may be more closely linked to higher levels of autistic-like traits. Permalink
• Prestwich neurodiversity support group marks its first year · Roch Valley Radio
  A neurodiversity support group in Prestwich, called Different Minds, One Community, celebrated its first anniversary, providing a space for neurodivergent individuals, families, and carers to connect and access support. The group, founded by Michelle Mackin, offers social prescribing and community resources, helping members like Dominic Burke find health and employment support. Parents and carers also benefit from shared experiences and advice within the community. Permalink
• Research Finds High Neurodiversity Rates in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes · Mirage News
  Youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 20 have significantly higher rates of neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD, compared to the general population. The study highlights the need for healthcare systems to address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals with early-onset T2D to improve health outcomes. Early-onset T2D is rising and linked to worse health outcomes, with neurodivergent individuals facing additional barriers in healthcare engagement and diabetes management. Permalink
• Robot Therapies for Autistic Children Face a Hard Ethical Reckoning · Bioengineer.org
  A critical review of six EU-funded social robotics projects for autistic children reveals a fundamental ethical issue: the uncritical assumption that therapy should aim to make autistic children behave like neurotypical children. Despite addressing some ethical concerns like privacy and safety, the projects largely overlooked deeper issues related to normalization and the potential harm of framing autism as a condition needing correction. Only two projects actively engaged with ethical concerns such as emotional attachment, deception, and robot autonomy. Permalink
• South Korea targets ADHD drug misuse with ads and online crackdowns - CHOSUNBIZ · Chosunbiz
  South Korea is addressing the misuse of ADHD medications by launching public awareness campaigns and intensifying online enforcement efforts. The government aims to curb the illegal sale and overuse of these drugs, particularly among young people. Measures include stricter regulations on online pharmacies and increased monitoring of social media platforms. Permalink
• The ‘reporter trick’ that can help autistic kids cope with sensory overload · nypost.com
  A study found that autistic children who used a "reporter game" technique, objectively describing sensory experiences like textures, showed reduced brain activity in sensory regions, suggesting it may help manage sensory overload. This cognitive reappraisal method, used in CBT, allows children to focus on factual descriptions rather than emotional responses. Older autistic children appeared to benefit more from the technique, though they still found the textures as unpleasant as younger children did. Permalink
• When Autism Diagnoses Fade: Early Intervention and Milder Symptoms Mark Children Who Lose the Label · Bioengineer.org
  Children who lose their autism diagnosis (LAD) typically received earlier interventions and had milder initial symptoms compared to those whose diagnoses persist. The study highlights that early identification and sustained intervention during critical developmental periods are strongly associated with a reduction in autism symptoms. Residual symptoms in the LAD group were also less severe, suggesting that early intervention may lead to significant improvements in social and communication abilities. Permalink
• Why is autism increasing? Scientists are converging on an unglamorous answer · PsyPost
  The rise in autism diagnoses is largely attributed to increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and improved detection rather than a true increase in the biological incidence of the condition. Studies show significant variations in prevalence rates depending on methodology, with some indicating a dramatic increase in recorded diagnoses over time, but not necessarily an actual rise in cases. Research suggests that societal and medical factors, rather than biological changes, are driving the apparent increase in autism prevalence. Permalink

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