A world-first study has found a hormone commonly used to induce labour in pregnant women, oxytocin, has significant benefits for some children with autism.

One in 68 Australian children is diagnosed with the disorder, which affects their communication skills and makes it difficult for them to interact socially.

"Often people with autism are incredibly bright and have lots of potential in so many ways," Associate Professor Adam Guastella, from the University of Sydney, said.

"But they often miss the important cues that guide social behaviour."

JOCELYN Moorhouse and PJ Hogan are one of Australia’s most creative couples, with their first feature film together being the iconic Muriel’s Wedding in 1994. Together, they have written scripts, directed films and parented four children — two of whom have severe autism. Here, Moorhouse, who directed the upcoming movie The Dressmaker, starring Kate Winslet, reveals how she balances the needs of her work and children.

In addition to several other major recent submissions, A4 also made a quick submission to the review of legislation for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Disability advocates say mainstream schools are unable to meet the needs of autistic children, and as a result families with autistic children are being forced to homeschool their children.

Many parents have told a Senate inquiry that their autistic children are bullied, misunderstood or placed in cages or seclusion areas in mainstream schools.

Sydney mother Cassandra Winter homeschools her son, who has autism and is currently in grade two.

She said the two schools he was previously attending lacked specialised support.

The recent story about a "coffin-like box" constructed for an autistic student outraged much of the community. Media reports are available:

• Wooden box built to 'calm' autistic students at day centre and
• Disability minister horrified, families sickened by 'coffin-like' box 

Following are some of the comments from the community ...