New figures show an alarming rise in the number of people with autism without a learning disability staying in mental health hospitals. That’s the finding of a report by the National Autistic Society (NAS). The report says those in hospitals...

Labour MP Kate Green is calling for more employers to help in closing the employment gap for people with disabilities. The MP for Stretford and Urmston, in Manchester, said the difference between the employment rate for disabled and non-disabled people stands at...

Efforts to improve the lives of adults with autism are to be extended to take in children. The moves come as part of the Government’s review of its autism strategy. Care minister Caroline Dinenage says the “outcomes” for children and...

The NHS is to routinely screen the deaths of all mental health patients. The move comes after the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) drew up new national guidance for NHS mental health trusts. It should mean the NHS screens around...

The mother of a young boy with epilepsy says new prescribing guidelines for medical cannabis are so restrictive “almost no-one” will get it. The law changed on 1 November to allow access to medical cannabis under prescription in the UK. However, Hannah...

Researchers have discovered a network of more than 200 genes linked to autism. The findings are part of a research programme led by the University of Toronto’s Professor Benjamin Blencowe. The scientist said the work has revealed how very short...

Researchers are to investigate an antibiotic as an autism treatment. US non-profit group Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN) will investigate the antibiotic minocycline. It will carry out the work in collaboration with medical and academic researchers. Antibiotic may treat...

Parents of children with autism often have to miss days at work, reduce their working hours or give up their job. Those are the findings of research by charity Ambitious about Autism. The charity surveyed more than 900 parents and...

Many autistic people might have some form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), researchers believe. They are investigating whether people with autism are more vulnerable to PTSD. Among them is Dr Connor Kerns, assistant professor of psychology at the University...

A charity has called for a review of a controversial learning disability hospital where staff abused patients to be made public. The National Autistic Society (NAS) says it is in the public interest for the report on Muckamore Abbey, in County...