France's autism problem – and its roots in psychoanalysis

Richard Bates, University of Nottingham

A group of graduates from a specialised autism training program have left the dole queue and secured their first jobs inside the department responsible for handing out their disability benefits.

Hans Asperger's name may become "mud" and be scrapped from the medical lexicon following new evidence he was an active Nazi collaborator, an autism history expert says.

Key points:

• New study finds clinician cooperated with child euthanasia program
• Finds Asperger benefited from relationship with Nazis
• Challenges long-running narrative about Asperger

A new study, published in the journal of Molecular Autism this week by medical historian Herwig Czech, was the result of eight years of research and drew on previously unseen documents, including Asperger's personnel files and the clinical assessments he wrote on his patients.

Michael Bernick

"The Seasons or Orchard" tapestry by Morris & Co. 1890. William Morris in the Victorian period sought to create new forms of craft and workplace culture. William Morris Society.

Last week, I was in New York and had the opportunity morning to tour a true “autism-friendly workplace”—one that differs not only from most workplaces today but also from most workplaces that describe themselves as autism-friendly. I think you’ll be interested, whether you have a connection to autism or not.

JOSH PRESTON

GYMPIE local Nelle Frances did not know where to find support when her son Sam was diagnosed with Autism, but she is hoping to show Gympie community members in similar situations they are not alone.

Ms Frances, a long time disability support worker who travels all over the country as an Autism Education Consultant under the banner of her Asperger Child organisation, is set to host an Autism Awareness High Tea at the Gympie RSL on May 1.

A school purpose-built for children with autism will open on the Gold Coast next week.

Josiah College has been custom-designed to suit the needs of autistic students who may struggle in a mainstream school environment.

Working closely with specialists in autism from the Bond University Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorder, the school's design takes into account everything from the positioning of land to the use of colours and even the movement of the school's fans.

Katie Sutherland, Western Sydney University

“I’m glad you can make use of my weapons grade autism”, laughs Jonathon in the ABC TV series Employable Me. He has landed a competitive paid internship, channelling his passion for accountancy. As well as a love of numbers, he has a wicked sense of humour and a way with words. And his sentiment is in line with the theme of the series, which promotes harnessing the strengths of its participants, rather than focusing on what they cannot do.

Angelique Chrisafis

State’s treatment of autistic people had been denounced by UN and described as being ‘50 years behind’ rest of world

Morra Aarons-Mele

“Why do I have to be in the office when I get more done from home?”

As an author and speaker on the modern workplace, I hear this a lot. But let me be clear: This is not a question from someone who wants to goof off, hang with their kids, or play video games in between conference calls. That is a toxic stereotype.

RACHEL CHAMBERLAIN

BATHURST families are half-way to their fundraising target for the Walk for Autism. 

They gathered on Sunday at the Bathurst Community Op Shop and Bicentennial Park to walk and raise money with a barbecue.

Funds were also raised on Saturday with a raffle of a gift voucher to the Kelso Hotel.

Mother Fiona Prosser has been leading the charge for the Walk for Autism in Bathurst, the cause being very close to her heart.