April has been a super busy month for the autism community, with big name announcements, world record attempts and of course the little matter of World Autism Awareness Day. However, just because the month was jam packed with news, that doesn’t give you any excuse to fall behind on your essential reading.

So for anyone out there who needs a quick revision on last months activities, here are the top 5 pieces of autism news which happened in April 2018 (as always, links to the full stories can be accessed by clicking on the red titles and the bold headings).

Honourable Mentions:

(Photo Credit: Raw)

As much as I regard every piece of autism news as ‘essential’, I’m also aware that we all have very busy lives with places to go and people to see. Nevertheless, if you are someone who, like me, can’t get enough of hearing about the autistic community, then why not check out these other articles featuring awesome events from in and around the world of autism?

Top 5 Autism News for April 2018:

5. Autism Award given to Sesame Street Theme Park

(Photo Credit: Sesame Street)

In April 2017, Sesame Street made headlines when they optioned to develop their autistic book character Julia into a physical mainstay of the Sesame Street show. Now, just over 12 months later, Sesame Street is once again making headlines, after the Sesame Street Theme Park in the US received the world’s first autism certification for the incredible services they have put in place for people on the spectrum.

Offering quiet rooms, sensory guides to parents and thoroughly trained staff, the theme park has done almost everything possible to ensure that everyone can enjoy their premises. This is an incredible step forward for equality, which seems to be influencing other theme parks such as Lego Land, who are also working to create an autism friendly environment.

If these past two years are anything to go by, it seems that Sesame Street are not showing any signs of slowing down when it comes to encouraging inclusivity with their brand. – something not even Oscar the Grouch could be mad at.

4. Invisible I launches Clothing Line

(Photo Credit: Invisible I)

After one year of contemplating ideas, months of collection meetings and, no doubt many, moments of struggling to keep it a secret, Autistic YouTuber Invisible I announced this month that she had been working with online retailer, Weird Triangle, to create her very own autistic adult’s T-shirt collection.

As discussed in her video announcing the range, all 8 t-shirts which appear in the line have been specifically designed with autistic adults in mind. A decision which Katy (Invisible I) settled on, as she found that most clothing which is created for the autistic community is often targeted at autistic children or parents/guardians of autists.

As it currently stands the new unisex collection is fully customisable, as well as capable of being shipped worldwide, meaning that, for a small additional fee, everyone can easily get access to a style as unique and diverse as the spectrum itself.

(UPDATE: Due to the success of her first range, Katy has now expanded her styles into a kids range, as well as introducing some awesome new hoodies into the collection. As with before, all styles can be seen on Katy’s YouTube channel and all purchases can be made through Weird Triangle)

3. DanTDM Raises £26,847 for Autism

(Photo Credit: DanTDM)

Youtuber Daniel Middleton (or DanTDM as he is more commonly known) raised £13,423.40 for the National Autistic Society last month, an amazing feat which was made even more incredible when the professional gamer doubled the figure to £26,847 by matching the contributions using money from his own pocket.

Middleton is no stranger when it comes to the world of fund-raising, having previously used his loyal following of over 18million subscribers to help raise funds for ALS, Make A Wish UK and many, many more. His generosity is something which makes him an incredible inspiration for his army of young fans (even if it does comparatively overshadow the equally as admirable contribution a certain autistic writer and creator of this site was also making that month).

2. Hollyoak’s cast Autistic Actor in Autistic Role

(Photo Credit: Channel 4)

In February’s autism news round up, I briefly mentioned that the casting team behind British soap opera Hollyoaks had put out a casting call looking for an actor with Asperger’s. Now, only two months later, it has been announced that Talia Grant will take the role of Brooke Hathaway: an autistic teenager who is fostered by the Osbourne family – a description which will hopefully mean a lot more to others than it does to me.

Although the casting of an autistic actor in an autistic role is something well worth celebrating, what makes the choice particularly special is the fact that Grant’s heritage will also open discussion regarding racial diversity and the autistic spectrum. Also, it’s well worth noting that the writers have also been in touch with the National Autistic Society when creating the character of Brooke Hathaway, meaning that we can expect to see a well-researched depiction of autism when Grant debuts on the show later this year.

Dishonourable Mention

In a month that was bursting at the seams with great autism news, there was always going to be a few stinkers. April’s fools include Good Morning Britain for polluting the TV with discussions about vaccines causing autism in dogs. However as this is far too stupid for me to comprehend, today I want to discuss the more disturbing story of a woman with Asperger’s who was dragged from a screening of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly for… laughing too loudly.

For those who have missed the news regarding this event, the reports are that an autistic woman who attended the BFI screening was forcible ejected after complaints were made about the volume of her laughter. As if this wasn’t bad enough many clapped as the woman was removed from the screening, with further claims that one of those removing the woman called her ‘a retard’.

Despite the undeniable blow this caused to the autistic community, there is somewhat of a silver lining to this event in that, as a result of this horrible moment, many are now discovering the true talent that is Tamsin Parker (the woman who was removed). Tamsin is a creator/artist/inspiration who has created an incredible film promoting autism awareness and although I wish this was under better circumstances, it’s great to see that she is now receiving the positive attention she deserves.

1. American Autism Rates Rise to 1:59

According to a new report (with a name too long to include and too many authors to mention – found here), autism rates in America have seen a rapid increase over the past 4 years, taking the new ratio from 1 in 69 to 1 in 59.

As expected, many have jumped at the announcement of this story to post misleading headlines such as ‘autism rates on the rise’, however, this is almost certainly not true. Autism diagnoses have risen in America, not because more people are becoming autistic, but because more people are finally finding their place on the spectrum thanks to:

  • A greater level of awareness around the condition
  • New diagnosis procedures being brought in

Although we are still far from knowing just how accurate these figures are, I have included this potentially great news in this month’s number one position because, if it is true, it means that thousands more people will be eligible to receive the support they need, instead of going through life uncertain and isolated as they once might have. Hooray!

Carry on the Conversation

No questions today, instead I recommend that everyone check out that awesome video by Tamsin Parker, as mentioned in this week’s dishonourable mentions.

As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.

If you like what you have seen on the site today, then show your support by liking the Autistic & Unapologetic Facebook page. Also, don’t forget to sign up to the Autistic & Unapologetic newsletter (found on the side bar on laptops and underneath if you are reading this via mobile) where I share weekly updates as well as a fascinating fact I have found throughout the week.

Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.

(Featured Photo Credit: United Artists)