Advtech has acquired St George’s School to establish a new campus in the Eastern Cape specifically for neurodivergent learners. The initiative aims to provide specialized education and support tailored to the needs of neurodivergent students. This move highlights Advtech's commitment to expanding inclusive educational opportunities in South Africa.
Almuñécar is developing a Wizard of Oz-themed playground specifically designed for neurodivergent children, featuring sensory-friendly elements and inclusive play areas. The project, currently in the tendering process, aims to open by the end of 2026 or early 2027. It includes themed play zones, sensory trails, and facilities aligned with neuro-inclusive design guidelines.
An Atlassian engineer argued that his ADHD should protect him from performance management, but the Federal Court ruled against him due to lack of medical evidence supporting his claims. The court acknowledged his ADHD but found insufficient proof linking it to his work performance issues, upholding Atlassian's decision to place him on a performance plan. The engineer's request for specific workplace accommodations was also rejected by the court.
The Autism Society Philippines condemned a podcast for mocking Josh Aquino, who has autism, calling the behavior cruel and unacceptable. The society emphasized that ridiculing people with disabilities is illegal under Republic Act No. 7277 and 9442, which prohibit public ridicule and vilification of persons with disabilities. It urged content creators to take responsibility and ensure their work does not humiliate or demean individuals with disabilities.
The Autism Theater Project will present LIMITLESS LIVE! on October 23, 2026, in Los Angeles, featuring the award-winning film The Voice Inside and an inspirational concert. The event highlights the creative talents of autistic actors and promotes inclusion, representation, and the power of artistic expression. Founded by Gena Sims, the project aims to empower individuals with disabilities through theater, film, and music, while fostering community engagement and education.
The Neurodivergent Empowerment Institute in St. Petersburg hosts an experimental music event featuring Thee Agro Cadaver, highlighting unconventional artistic expression and individuality. The event promotes a philosophy that values creative freedom and challenges traditional categories of music. The institute aims to foster community and belonging through art, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and authentic expression.
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital has developed a tailored blood draw support program for neurodivergent pediatric patients, combining individualized planning, education, and evidence-based coping strategies to reduce anxiety and improve the experience for children and families. Child Life specialists and phlebotomists collaborate to create a personalized approach, allowing children to familiarize themselves with procedures and participate in ways that feel comfortable, leading to more successful and less stressful blood draws. This program has shown positive outcomes, helping children like Frankie build confidence and reduce fear around future medical visits.
Brain Balance is introducing personalized development programs in Dongan Hills aimed at addressing learning and behavioral challenges in children. The programs are designed to offer tailored interventions based on individual assessments. The initiative is expected to provide families with new options for supporting their children's growth and development.
Friendly Recovery Center has released a new educational resource explaining Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the role of therapy in supporting individuals with autism. The article highlights that therapy can help individuals develop practical skills, manage challenges, and improve emotional regulation, independence, and quality of life. It emphasizes personalized therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual's unique needs and challenges.
More parents are choosing to homeschool their children with disabilities due to concerns about the quality of public education, despite the availability of federal protections and services. Katherine Walter, who homeschools her son Will, who has autism and apraxia, believes she can provide a better education than the rural school system, which she claims would resort to restraints or harm. The rise in special education rates reflects both increased awareness and medical advancements, but also growing dissatisfaction with traditional school approaches.
A study found that horseback riding can help reduce hyperactivity in children with autism. The research suggests that interaction with horses may have therapeutic benefits for behavioral issues associated with the condition. The findings highlight the potential of equine-assisted activities as a complementary treatment for autism.
The full trailer for the film *Being Heumann*, based on the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, has been released, highlighting her 1977 occupation of a federal building in San Francisco to fight for disability rights. Directed by Sian Heder and starring Ruth Madeley, the film dramatizes Heumann's pivotal role in advancing disability rights through a bold and historic act of civil disobedience. The film is set for release in select US theaters in November 2026, followed by a streaming debut on Apple TV.
A Kenyan psychologist and neurodiversity specialist has developed Qiotter, an AI-powered app that provides personalized developmental support for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, enabling parents and caregivers to actively participate in their child's growth. The app integrates educational resources, caregiver support, and child-specific activities into a single platform, aiming to bridge gaps between home, school, and therapy. It addresses challenges in accessing neurodevelopmental services by offering structured, adaptable tools tailored to each child's unique needs.
A 9-year-old girl with autism was killed by a BNSF train near her home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Records show a similar incident involving a child with autism occurred in September, where the girl was found wandering near her home, and her mother was arrested on child abuse charges. Authorities are reviewing the past case and investigating the current incident.
A Montana mother spends nearly $12,000 annually on therapies for her son with autism and apraxia, highlighting the significant financial burden of such care. Due to inadequate support from public schools, she has opted for homeschooling her son. The need for long-distance travel to access specialized sessions further complicates their financial and time commitments.
Neurodivergent individuals face daily challenges and misunderstandings that are often overlooked by others, making their lives more difficult. These struggles highlight the need for greater awareness and understanding. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these everyday barriers to support neurodivergent people more effectively.
Neurodivergent students employ distinct reasoning strategies when solving chemistry problems, often showing lower accuracy but greater self-awareness of their learning processes. These students frequently develop individualized coping mechanisms to overcome challenges in structural chemistry, highlighting the need for inclusive teaching methods. Understanding these unique approaches can help create more supportive educational environments for neurodivergent learners in chemistry.
A new U.S. study suggests that ADHD may be associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment, with 6.7% of participants with ADHD showing cognitive impairment compared to 3.4% without the disorder. After adjusting for various factors, those with ADHD had over four times the risk. However, the research highlights an association rather than proving causation.
A new study found that adults with ADHD have a 4.6-fold higher risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia compared to those without ADHD. Dr. Daniel Amen emphasizes the importance of addressing brain health and managing risk factors to protect long-term cognitive function. The study does not confirm that ADHD causes dementia, but highlights the need for individualized care and early awareness of brain health.
Research shows that reducing alcohol consumption improves sleep, health, and relationships, yet cutting back remains challenging. ADDitude readers shared motivations such as managing anxiety, saving money, and preventing overdrinking, along with strategies like setting specific drinking days and seeking professional help. People with ADHD face unique challenges in reducing alcohol use, but with proper support and medication, it is achievable.
RJ Mitte, known for his role in "Breaking Bad" and his advocacy for disability rights, has passed away at the age of 34. Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, was a prominent voice in the disability community and used his platform to promote inclusivity and awareness. His death has sparked tributes from fans and fellow advocates around the world.
Adult women with ADHD often go undiagnosed for decades because the disorder manifests differently in girls, with internal symptoms rather than external hyperactivity. This leads to significant personal and relational challenges, including low self-esteem and strained relationships, until a late diagnosis provides relief and understanding. Early recognition and awareness are crucial to addressing the unique challenges faced by adult women with ADHD.
A new school under the "The Bridge" brand, specializing in neurodivergent learning, will open in Gqeberha in 2028, following Advtech's acquisition of the St George’s School property. The school will employ teachers with expertise in neurodivergent learning and offer tailored education for students with diverse learning needs.
Weakened civil rights enforcement by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has significantly hindered protections for disabled students, as staff reductions and closures during the Trump administration led to a sharp decline in investigations and a high dismissal rate of complaints. The OCR's ability to address disability discrimination has been further compromised by reduced transparency and data availability since 2025. This has left many disabled students without adequate recourse and has undermined long-standing efforts to ensure equal educational access.
A mother in Wicklow created a support network to combat the isolation of her child's autism diagnosis, which has grown into a valuable community resource for neurodiverse families. The initiative has also driven efforts to make the local area more accessible. Other news includes a tragic house fire in Waterford resulting in four deaths, ongoing strike actions affecting public services, and an investigation into Ireland's influential property landlords.