Today marks a significant milestone for Autistic Australians as the Albanese Labor Government unveils Australia’s first National Autism Strategy and an accompanying Action Plan. This comprehensive initiative actively fosters inclusion, enhances support, and improves life outcomes for Autistic individuals across Australia. Moreover, the Albanese Government remains committed to ensuring Autistic Australians feel understood, empowered, and […] The post Australia has its first National Autism Strategy. appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

Respiratory diseases caused by poor oral hygiene, such as aspiration pneumonia, are a significant and often overlooked health risk for autistic individuals and people with disabilities. Surprisingly, the link between poor oral hygiene and Respiratory Disease is all to documented in research. Shockingly it indicates that aspiration pneumonia, which can result from inhaling bacteria from […] The post The Deadly Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Respiratory Disease in Autistics appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

As parents and carers of autistic children, you’re no stranger to the challenges of helping your child feel seen, accepted, and empowered. That’s why LEGO’s latest initiative might resonate deeply with you. On this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities held each year on December 3rd, LEGO unveiled a groundbreaking move. It introduced the […] The post LEGO Introduces Hidden Disabilities Characters: A Step Towards Inclusive Play appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

As parents of autistic children, you may have noticed an increase in autism diagnoses. But have you wondered about the reasons behind this trend? Is there truly an epidemic, or is something else at play? I was keen to revisit Steve Silberman’s Tedx on the myths surrounding autism and the perceived sudden rise in diagnosis. […] The post Why Autism Diagnoses Are Rising – and Why That’s a Good Thing appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

As a parent, it can be overwhelming to consider a diagnosis of autism for your child. Many of us worry about labels limiting their future opportunities. I was once hesitant to have my own children diagnosed, fearing that autism would hinder them from pursuing certain professions. But ultimately, I learned that a diagnosis doesn’t limit […] The post Understanding the Benefits of an Autism Diagnosis – Your child is not lazy appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

Receiving an autism diagnosis is often a pivotal moment in an individual’s life. For many, it provides clarity, guidance, and access to much-needed support. In Australia, autism is one of the most common psychosocial disabilities, and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), approximately 1 in 70 Australians are on the autism spectrum, which […] The post Why an Autism Diagnosis is So Important appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

Amanda Tink, University of South Australia Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes, a groundbreaking history of autism that fundamentally changed how society understood autistic people, has died, aged 66. While many people write about a community from the vantage point of an outsider, few can be credited with making the world a better place for that […] The post Steve Silberman, who changed autistic lives with Neurotribes, has died. He captured ‘a civil rights movement being born’ appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

Watch the name Lizzie Hosking! Lizzie Hosking’s music career is rapidly gaining momentum, a success she attributes to her unique “superpower.” as she explained in an interview with the ABC. After overcoming numerous obstacles, Hosking has embraced her autism, a diagnosis she shares with her brother and sister. This newfound openness has strengthened her family […] The post Autistic Singer Lizzie Hosking’s Career Soars with Scouted Performance and New Single Release appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

Stella Boyd-Ford, The University of Queensland and Clare Dix, The University of Queensland Gathering as a family for a meal can serve several purposes: from social connection to nutrition. But this can also make eating and mealtimes tricky to manage when someone in the family is neurodivergent. Many autistic children and children with attention-deficit hyperactivity […] The post Mealtimes can be tough when your child is autistic or has ADHD. Here are 5 tips to try appeared first on Living on The Spectrum ..read more

What is AuDHD? Tamara May, Monash University You may have seen some new ways to describe when someone is autistic and also has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The terms “AuDHD” or sometimes “AutiADHD” are being used on social media, with people describing what they experience or have seen as clinicians. It might seem surprising these two conditions can co-occur, as some traits appear to be almost opposite. For example, autistic folks usually have fixed routines and prefer things to stay the same, whereas people with ADHD usually get bored with routines and like spontaneity and ..read more