Nance Haxton

Up to three times more people with autism have special talents or "savant" abilities than previously thought.

Researchers from Autism Spectrum Australia have found that identifying and nurturing that special talent at an early age is crucial in ultimately helping people with autism find a meaningful job later in life.

Changing employers' perceptions of autism from focussing on the deficits to the advantages of being on the spectrum is also key.

FAMILIES and carers are encouraged to attend an open day at AEIOU Bundaberg on Friday, September 29, to see first-hand how early intervention is changing the lives of children with autism.

The open day will provide insight into AEIOU's autism-specific program and is a prime opportunity to meet qualified staff, learn about evidence-based early intervention and ask questions.

Attendees are also invited to participate in a free introductory workshop on understanding challenging behaviours.

A free lecture discussing university for those on the autism spectrum is taking place next week.

The University of Wollongong Bega campus is hosting a presentation by Kimberley McMahon-Coeman and Kim Draisma, who both have extensive experience working with university students on the spectrum. 

They will offer insight into the challenges of autism in the classroom, how students can manage the transition to uni and establish successful study patterns.

Peta Rasdien

An incident during which a six year-old autistic boy left school and walked a kilometre away before he was found by a community member has left his parents distressed and demanding answers.

John Butler Primary College principal Brett Lewis said there was no excuse for the ‘deeply regrettable’ incident.

the National Reporting Team's Alison Branley

A Sydney woman says her profoundly disabled brother could be left without a permanent home in three weeks because of serious flaws in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in New South Wales.

Emmaline Stigwood

QUEENSLAND students with a disability are still being suspended and excluded from schools in huge numbers, despite a landmark review recommending urgent changes.

Six months after a probe revealed poor outcomes and high suspension rates, parents have spoken to The Sunday Mail about the ongoing reality of life in classrooms for their kids.

They claim the system is still failing children, with schools refusing entry and medical opinions ignored.

Jamie Doward

Research shows that exclusions can amplify pupils’ psychological distress and encourage behaviour it intends to punish.

Excluding children from school may lead to long-term psychiatric problems and psychological distress, a major new study has shown.

The research by the University of Exeter also finds that poor mental health can lead to school exclusion.

NSW schools are failing to report horrific cases of abuse against disabled and special needs students, as a parliamentary inquiry yesterday heard the state had “failed these kids”.

One advocacy group has called for a royal commission following the revelation of several shocking alleged incidents­ in which children were tied to chairs by their ankles, locked in cupboards or beaten with sticks by their teachers.