AAP

A SINGLE spray of the hormone oxytocin can temporarily help children with autism overcome their disorder, research has shown.

Scientists studied 17 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders who were randomly treated either with an oxytocin nasal spray or an inactive dummy compound.

Felix Hua who disappeared in May 2009 during a field trip.

A carer who was unqualified to look after a severely autistic boy who drowned during a field trip should not be blamed for the teenager's death, a coroner has ruled.

On Thursday Coroner Heather Spooner ruled that Vipula Rajakaruna Mudiyanselage lacked the knowledge to care expertly for Felix Hua because he was not aware of the boy's disabilities and lacked the training and support from his then employer, Southern Cross Care.

Mr Rajakaruna Mudiyanselage was caring for Felix in his role as a community support worker when the 14-year-old went missing at Yarra Bend Park in Fairfield on May 30, 2009.

Felix's body was found three days later in the Yarra River, near Dights Falls, after an extensive search by police and the SES.

Inclusionists believe “inclusive education” is the best way, well really the only way, to educate every student, including every student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Inclusionists simply have faith. They ignore evidence that does not support their faith. They usually lack tolerance for anyone who criticises, or even questions, the total supremacy of “inclusive education”. Many students with ASD benefit from, even thrive through, “inclusive education”. Sadly, most students with ASD are currently educated in an “inclusive” mainstream setting but have abysmal outcomes¹; outcomes that are typically far worse than students with disability generally. The data (evidence) is clear.

Teenagers with autism are being bullied and discriminated against, have difficulty paying attention in class and feel lonely.

The first ever study to ask high functioning teenage autism sufferers about their own experience with their disability has found less than half the students had good friends.

The study found more than half the students needed support for bullying and discrimination and that two thirds felt lonely and needed help managing stress.

A4 requested a meeting with Senator Fifield, Assistant Minister for Social Services (responsible for Disability Services), to discuss how to improve the NDIS for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A4 shares some of the concerns raised in The Australian (see http://a4.org.au/a4/node/756) relating to people with Intellectual Disability; at least 30% of people with autism, often severe autism, also have an intellectual disability so we can expect to have some common concerns/issues. A4 and also has concerns that specifically relate to autism.

PATRICIA KARVELAS AND RICK MORTON The Australian November 11, 2013

THE Abbott government has ordered the National Disability Insurance Agency to overhaul its processes and provide immediate "remedial action" because the flagship disability insurance scheme is running late.

This is despite concern that the most vulnerable - those with intellectual disabilities - are being railroaded into accepting decisions that are not right for them and, in some cases, left to negotiate without independent advocates present.

Emily Bourke 8 Nov 2013

PETER LLOYD: American medical researchers have uncovered some surprising findings about children with autism.

It's been thought for some time that autism could be the result of a brain that lacks enough neural connections - but new research has found the opposite. Brains of children with autism actually have more connections than other children.

That's turned some of the conventional medical wisdom about autism on its head and it could lead to changes to the way the condition is diagnosed and treated.

Emily Bourke has our story

A4 sent the following message to the Prime Minister in response to the usual media attacks on people with disability.

I write hoping to head off yet another round of Government vilifying people with disability.

Neil Bramwell

THE latest Australian data on autism contradicts research indicating that new cases have levelled off in the UK, according to an expert.

Local rates appear to be in line with recent US data, which found that one in 88 eight-year-olds had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Disability commissioner Graeme Innes said the stories of discrimination from the Border’s victims, prisoners and witnesses echoed those he had heard around Australia. Picture: BEN EYLES"

By NATALIE KOTSIOS

A MAN spends months in jail while needing professional care. A woman, harassed by her neighbour, is ignored by the courts. Another’s cries of abuse at the hands of a housemate go unnoticed.

These were just a few for the real-life stories shared yesterday at a forum in Albury, discussing how people with disabilities are treated by police and the justice system.

The forum, hosted by Disability Advocacy and Information Service, saw people with disabilities, their carers and those working relates in fields to swap experiences and ideas and listen to speakers, including disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes.