Autism and disability news
Autistic young people speak up on behalf of SEND pupils in Parliament
Last week, two autistic young people from our Ambitious Youth Network travelled to Westminster to tell the country’s decision makers about the challenges autistic pupils face in school.
Joanna Hall, aged 22, and Madeline Thomas, aged 19, gave evidence to the House of Commons Education Select Committee as part of its inquiry into the SEND crisis.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025: What is it all about?
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is from 17 - 23 March in 2025.
It's when people all over the UK are encouraged to think about and celebrate neurodiversity, as well as challenge stereotypes people might have about it.
PFA survey reveals number of neurodivergent players
The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has so far surveyed 700 of its members in what it believes is the largest research questionnaire done with professional athletes globally on neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.
'My son missed learning because of discrimination'
A deaf woman from Sussex, who says her autistic son missed years of secondary school, has accused West Sussex County Council (WSCC) of discrimination and neglect.
Woman 'told to wait 16 to 18 years' for autism test
A woman has said she did not know "whether to laugh or cry" after finding out she would have to wait 16 to 18 years for an autism diagnosis.
Jenny was recently told that was her expected wait for an NHS assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Lioness Lucy Bronze reveals how autism and ADHD give her a game-changing 'advantage'
England legend Lucy Bronze has said her autism and ADHD have given her an advantage in sport. Talking to BBC Sport before Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Bronze said: 'People always say, "Oh, you're so passionate about football."
'I don't know if I'd say I'm passionate, I'm obsessed. That's my autism, it's my hyper-focus on football.'
Jack Thorne discusses his journey to an autism diagnosis
Jack Thorne discusses his journey to an autism diagnosis, sparked by a listener's comment on Desert Island Discs. Jack reflects on how his ability to mask his behaviours influenced his writing and personal happiness. He shares insights into his prolific career, including works like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and His Dark Materials, and emphasises the therapeutic nature of writing for him.
The Last Of Us's Bella Ramsey describes receiving autism diagnosis as 'freeing'
Actress actor Bella Ramsey has described receiving their autism diagnosis as "freeing".
The 21-year-old said their diagnosis had been "helpful" to better understand their identity.
We post news stories about autism on the live feed once a week on a Thursday. If you see any news stories related to autism, neurodiversity, disability or Ambitious about Autism, please email them to us at [email protected].