Latest News for Parents & Carers

Life costs more for disabled people and their families, spending more on essential goods and services like; heating, insurance, equipment, and therapies. These extra costs mean disabled people have less money in their pocket than non-disabled people, or simply go without. Disabled people often face higher costs for their gas and electricity. Many disabled people say they need more heating to stay warm, yet others say they have to use extra electricity to charge up items of assistive technology. With rising energy costs alongside suppliers going out of business, this has caused concern and uncertainty.

An 11-year-old boy has become the youngest honours recipient on record after completing a series of fundraising challenges during the pandemic. Tobias Weller is joined by Max Woosey, 12, who has become the second youngest person known to have been honoured. Both boys have received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for charity fundraising work.

Eating a delicious meal, ranting to a friend, playing an instrument, tackling that boulder scramble in the middle of your favorite hike — some of life’s greatest pleasures depend on a diverse and complex set of motor skills. Despite the centrality of motor function to so many aspects of everyday living, its connection to many neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions is poorly understood. And overlooking its link to autism has led to missed opportunities for both research and clinical care.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is designing an interactive map to help parent carers compare the education support in their local area with what’s available across the country and to help them take tailored actions to hold local services to account. Parent carers can fill in this form to be kept in the loop about the map’s development and notify you when it’s ready.

Jobcentre Plus sites are testing an autism framework that is hoped to help more people with autism find, retain and progress in fulfilling jobs. Work coaches will have a role in educating employers about the additional requirements job candidates with autism might require.