Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

No link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children

3

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · 19d

In the largest epidemiologic study to date of the risk of giving birth to a child with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability following acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy, researchers found no association.
(Article published in April 2024)
news.ki.se/no-link-betw...

In the largest epidemiologic study to date of the risk of giving birth to a child with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability following acetaminophen use during pregnancy, researchers found no associ...

news.ki.se

3

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · 26d

Children with neurodivergent traits, such as those associated with dyslexia, autism or ADHD, could be given better support in school if an MP's bill is successful when it comes before Parliament
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Yeovil MP's bill seeks primary school neurodiversity screening

Adam Dance will present his bill calling for primary age universal screening of neurodivergent traits.

www.bbc.co.uk

5 5

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · 27d

Children in the North of England are waiting up to three years longer than those in the south for an autism diagnosis, new data analysis shows
www.news-medical.net/news/2025091...

Children in the North of England face longer wait times for autism diagnosis

Children in the North of England are waiting up to three years longer than those in the south for an autism diagnosis, new data analysis shows.

www.news-medical.net

What is ‘executive dysfunction’ and how do you overcome it?

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · 28d

Difficulty starting and getting overwhelmed by tasks are a few signs of executive dysfunction
www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...

Difficulty starting and getting overwhelmed by tasks are a few signs of it. We asked experts for tips on mitigating it

"Autism made me do it" | National Police Autism Association

Reposted by Police Autism UK

Angus MacDonald MP 🔶 @angusmacdonaldld.bsky.social · 29d

1 in 7 school children are estimated to be neurodivergent. I left school a year early with poor results, it took me decades to realise I wasn’t thick!

@adamjamesdance.bsky.social is introducing a bill that will help a huge number of dyslexic and neurodivergent children. Watch his fantastic speech:

1 3 8

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Aug 30

NEW BLOG: Can autism be a cause of criminal acts and bad behaviour?
www.npaa.org.uk/autism-made-...

Can autism be a cause of criminal acts and bad behaviour? by John NelsonChair | National Police Autism Association In June 2020, autism featured in a widely-reported criminal case. Jonty Bravery, an a...

Around 90% of middle-aged and older autistic adults are undiagnosed in the UK, new review finds

1 1

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Aug 29

Around 90% of middle-aged and older autistic adults are undiagnosed in the UK, new review finds
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/up-to-9...

89 to 97 per cent of autistic adults aged 40+ years are undiagnosed in the UK, according to the largest review of its kind. The review indicated that middle-aged and older autistic adults are facing h...

www.kcl.ac.uk

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Aug 28

As another employment tribunal finds against an employer over support for a neurodivergent employee, firms should take note
news.sky.com/story/this-w...

As this woman wins case against employer over ADHD, firms should take note

Official data analysed by Sky News shows the number of people in work with disabilities or long-term health conditions has risen by 21% since the pandemic, including a 35% jump in workers with learnin...

news.sky.com

Reposted by Police Autism UK

Dimensions UK @dimensionsuk.bsky.social · Aug 15

🍿 Upcoming Dimensions #AutismFriendlyScreenings

This weekend we have Wolf Children, Super Charlie and #Smurfs at participating
#Showcase #Vue #Picturehouse plus lots more at The Light

Check your local cinema:
www.autismfriendly.uk/autism-friendly-screenings
@showcasecinemasuk.bsky.social

Researchers identify four genetic autism subtypes | National Police Autism Association

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Aug 15

NEWS: Major study uncovers biologically distinct autism subtypes
www.npaa.org.uk/researchers-...

Analysis of autistic children reveals genes linked to traits and developmental trajectories Researchers at Princeton University and the private non-profit Simons Foundation have identified four clinic...

Reposted by Police Autism UK

Pete Quily @petequily.bsky.social · Aug 14

Number one drug people with ADHD self medicate with.

Tobacco.

Nora Reed (they/them ze/hir) @nora.zone · Aug 14

you want to fix smoking? get people who are dependant on cigarettes on ADHD treatments and see if they help; they're probably self medicating

1 1 2

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Aug 9

Planning a trip this summer? Autism West Midlands have put together some simple travel tips to help make journeys calmer, more predictable and less stressful for autistic children

Travel tips for autistic children:
1. Use visual schedules or timelines
2. Prepare together in advance
3. Pack comfort and regulation items
4. Build in extra time and breaks
5. Use social stories or videos
6. Keep some routines the same

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 28

These conditions are easily missed if a detainee is just asked if they have any medical conditions or mental illness - an autistic person might honestly answer 'no'. Some police forces provide all autistic detainees with Appropriate Adults, regardless of their professional or educational status.

Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviour | Letter

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 28

Hi - ideally all detainees should be asked as part of medical screening at the booking-in stage if they are autistic, ADHD or have any other neurodivergency they would like the Custody Sgt to know about - this is so the detainee is given the support they need, e.g. an Appropriate Adult (cont'd)

e.gm

2 1

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 24

"Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviour"
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Letters: Gregg Wallace and his employers must take responsibility for his actions – his autism is irrelevant, writes Richard Cross

Guest Blog: A DCI's journey | National Police Autism Association

1 4

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 21

Becky is autistic and ADHD herself - read her blog here
www.npaa.org.uk/a-dcis-journ...

In this piece written for the NPAA as part of World Autism Acceptance Month, Detective Chief Inspector Becky Davies of Devon & Cornwall Police reflects on her promotion journey as an autistic and ADHD...

Police officer awarded for work with neurodiverse suspects

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 21

Congratulations to Det Ch Insp Becky Davies on being awarded a commendation for her work in supporting neurodivergent crime suspects 👏
www.bbc.com/news/article...

Det Ch Insp Becky Davies says she was partly inspired by her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD.

www.bbc.com

Why the antagonism over the rise in autism diagnoses? It’s actually good news | Gina Rippon

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 21

'For late-diagnosed adults, being diagnosed as autistic can come after decades of struggle, being ostracised and othered. “At last my life makes sense” or “I’ve finally found my tribe” are frequently reported as responses to diagnosis.'
✍️ @ginarippon.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

A ninefold increase is the result of huge advances in our understanding – and brings the hope of fulfilling lives to many more people, says author Gina Rippon

Why myths around vaccines and autism are so persistent

1 3

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 17

A large Danish study confirms childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Why is the myth so persistent?
www.euronews.com/health/2025/...

A major Danish study is the latest to confirm the benefits of routine childhood immunisations.

www.euronews.com

1 1 4

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 16

Navigating the neurotypical minefield, no. 137: 'The Social Do Your Friends Were Invited To And You Weren't'
www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...

My friends made plans without me – is it weird to invite myself?

New research has shed light on the psychology of ‘self-invitation’, and why people hold back from asking to join others’ plans

2

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 15

Autism is becoming mainstream in a way that never existed even a few yrs ago.. will discuss this and more in our 10th Anniversary blog in Oct

Photo of 'Autism' magazine on a shelf in a newsagent

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 14

ADHD UK are offering free workplace support for autistic & ADHD employees

📅 REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY at 9 AM

Learn more about what's involved and check your eligibility here: braininhand.co.uk/sbri4/

ADHD UK flyer offering free workplace support for autistic & ADHD employees - more info at: braininhand.co.uk/sbri4

Sergeant finds job 'well-suited' to being autistic

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 13

Police sergeant diagnosed with autusm after 24 years service finds job 'well-suited' to being autistic
A story typical of our members' experiences, many of whom were diagnosed in later life - autism is far more common than you think
www.bbc.com/news/article...

A police sergeant from Hayle says the routine and rules of working for the police suit his condition.

www.bbc.com

1 1 3

Police Autism UK @npaa.org.uk · Jul 11

Campaigners criticise remarks in which TV presenter Gregg Wallace appeared to link allegations against him to autism diagnosis
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...

Charity warns against generalising about autistic people after Gregg Wallace comments

Campaigners criticise remarks in which TV presenter appeared to link allegations against him to diagnosis