The perplexing disorder of autism continues to take its toll on children, families and society as a whole. Things are likely to get worse.

Autism is a serious subject, not only for families with autistic children but for the entire nation. The numbers are startling — and alarming. Let's begin right here at home: As of last month there were 424 students officially designated as autistic attending Frederick County Public Schools. Add to that number those who are being educated outside the public schools and many more who exhibit some autistic-like symptoms.

In the UK, the final version of the Bercow Review looking into children, young people and speech, language and communication has been released. According to the website ...

The review will advise on:

On 27 May 2008, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia joined with the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders (AABASD), the Office of Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in hosting a Parliamentary Breakfast at Parliament House. There were 96 registered guests, mostly politicians.

Tuck Thompson, September 08, 2008 12:00AM

AN autistic online comedian has been sacked from his job at the Foster's Yatala brewery for making YouTube videos that offended his employers.

Packager Karl Tilcock, who lives in Windaroo and supports a wife and two autistic children, performs offbeat humour as a hobby under the name AustDingo. One of his fans, Sydney resident Raul Isidro, has slammed Foster's for its "unAustralian" reaction.
AustDingo's YouTube channel (beware coarse language)

The Federal Government has accused Labor of 'me too-ism' by announcing its policy to help autistic children on the same day as the Coalition's.

As the phoney election campaign rolls along, both sides have spent the week courting the health vote.

Today, the Government unveiled a $190 million package to tackle childhood autism.

About $21 million of that will go towards a new Medicare item for the diagnosis of autism and early intervention treatment for children with the disability.

Annabel Stafford and Carol Nader, October 4, 2007

THE health bidding war continued yesterday as Prime Minister John Howard trumped Labor's pitch for the parental vote with a $190 million plan to help children with autism.

Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd was forced to match the Government policy, which dwarfed the ALP's own pledge to set up at least six autism-specific child-care centres.