Autism
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Autism Assessment Across the Lifespan: Why Follow-Up Matters
Autism assessment is often organised around a single visit, while developmental changes in autistic children and adults may unfold gradually over time. Longitudinal research suggests that some of these changes can go unnoticed, while some apparent changes may reflect something other than development. Repeated assessments can offer insights that a single visit may miss.
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Rethinking Autistic Camouflaging
What is autistic masking, and does it always harm wellbeing? Explore new research on camouflaging, impression management, identity, social pressures, and autistic burnout.
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Nutritional Risk Beyond Weight in Autistic Children
Some autistic children eat a very narrow diet for years while their weight and growth stay on track. Because the numbers look reassuring, the nutritional risk underneath can go unnoticed. A stable weight measures whether a child has enough energy. It says little about whether the diet holds everything a body needs, and that gap is where serious harm can build unseen.
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What Is Autism Now?
Autism was first described as a clinical condition in the mid-twentieth century and was long considered of low prevalence. Since the 1990s, autism prevalence has increased substantially, particularly in high-income countries. This rise has prompted public and professional debate, including concerns of over-diagnosis and suggestions of an “autism epidemic.” Current research and conceptual analysis suggest that these interpretations are not supported by the available evidence. Instead, changes in diagnostic practices, alongside shifts in social, educational, and economic environments, have reshaped how autism is recognised and understood.
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Insights from Two Decades of Statewide Data on the Diagnostic Rates among Autistic Females
A 2024 study by Harrop and colleagues reflects how the landscape of autism diagnosis for females has evolved. Drawing on more than 10,000 diagnostic records from the TEACCH Autism Program in North Carolina, spanning the years 2000 to 2021, the study reveals a steady increase in the proportion of females identified as autistic. While diagnostic pathways are becoming more inclusive, late recognition remains a concern, highlighting the ongoing need for approaches that acknowledge the diversity of autistic experience.
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Validation of a Mobile App for Remote Autism Screening in Toddlers
A 2025 multi-site study led by Dawson and colleagues evaluated a mobile app called “SenseToKnow,” designed for accessible, early autism screening in toddlers. The results suggest digital approaches as a promising way to make early identification more accessible, objective, and equitable for all families.
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STEPS in the Community: Pilot Trial Offers Promising Pathways for Autistic Adults Transitioning to Independence
Up to 70,000 autistic teenagers enter adulthood in the US each year, yet many report feeling unprepared for the leap. The Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Success (STEPS) programme is a goal-oriented intervention designed to bridge this gap.
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Breaking Down Barriers and Improving Understanding – Autism Acceptance Week 2024
This World Autism Acceptance Week (2 April to 8 April 2024), we encourage you to explore the FREE learning opportunities available on our website, and to share with your networks.
Together we can work towards ‘sharing best evidence, improving practice’ to help create a society that works for autistic children and young people.
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Autism Resources Update
This World Autism Acceptance Week (27 March to 2 April 2023), we have collated a number of FREE learning resources from leading academics, clinicians, and researchers to build upon our previous catalogue of resources for World Autism Acceptance Week 2022.
We encourage you to explore the learning opportunities available on our website, sign up for our fantastic upcoming events below, and do share with your networks.
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World Autism Acceptance Week 2022
This World Autism Acceptance Week (28 March – 3 April), we encourage you to explore the learning opportunities available on our website, and to share with your networks. Together we can help change attitudes and work towards creating a society that works for autistic children and young people.
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