After temperatures so high they could make even the devil sweat and sporadic thunderstorms teasing us that things might get better (only for things to get MUCH hotter), I think it’s safe to say that July has been the worst (unless you’re a normal person who enjoys the sunshine).

Never fear though because, if you have spent July inside hiding from the weather, today’s monthly round-up aims to catch you on what you missed from the wonderful world outside. Whether it’s news headlines, community announcements or just moments you might have missed whilst being blinded by the sun, all the important articles surrounding the autism community can be found right here (as always, links to the full stories can be accessed by clicking on the red titles and the bold headings).

Honourable Mentions:

(Photo Credit: RobbieWilliams.com)

Last month it seemed that not even mother nature could hold back the autism community, as new announcements came flying in from every angle. Sadly though, there is only room at the top for 5 pieces of news, which means that, despite the significance of everything, today I can only discuss a handful in detail. So, before we get started on this month’s catch up, here are the autism news honourable mentions:

Top 5 Autism News for July 2018:

5. New Measures put in place for Disabled Travellers

After years of campaigning by disability advocates, this month, the Government announced that £300 million would be invested in their new, inclusive transport strategy, which will take effect around the UK in 2019.

Although much buzz has been made surrounding how the plans will make it easier for non-physically disabled, disabled people to be awarded a blue badge parking permit, there are a few other aspects well worth your attention that may have slipped by. These include:

  • a £2 million passenger awareness campaign to increase awareness of invisible disorders
  • an accreditation scheme to train frontline staff and senior transport management on disability awareness
  • New changing areas provided in toilets at motorway service stations
  • More audio and visual support for transport (because when they say ‘mind the gap’, they aren’t just trying to annoy you)

To some, these changes may simply seem like a way for autistic people to get around quicker and get better parking. However, for those who can see further than the end of their noses, these changes will be welcomed as an opportunity for people who have become isolated, due to fear of public travel, to once again have the confidence to go out (and to make a quick escape if necessary). If, however, you do fall into the category of those who don’t understand these challenges, then make sure to check out the National Autistic Societies Diverted video for more information.

4. Morrisons goes all out for Autism Hour

When it was announced earlier this month that Autism Hour would be returning from 6th – 13th October, many people (including myself) were ecstatic, as we saw more and more stores signing up to offer sensory-friendly shopping throughout the week-long event.

However, not one to be outdone, British retailer Morrisons took the announcement of the coming Autism Hour as a challenge and in turn made their own announcement that starting from July they would host a weekly Autism Hour event year round.

Of course, it is great to see all the other shops getting involved for the coming October event and without a doubt, I am excited to cover these moments of autism acceptance when they happen. But, for true autism acceptance and awareness to become regular mainstays of such iconic premises… well, I’m sorry other stores, but this month Morrisons reigns supreme.

For more details on what Autism Hour is, make sure to check out the article I wrote on the event last year by following this link. Or for an in-depth look at the Morrisons event, in particular, follow this link to An Autistics View, where autistic blogger Rob does just that!

3. Autistic Children Twice as likely to have Allergies

We all know that people with autism can be notoriously difficult when it comes to our eating habits. However, recent research now suggests that this may be a good thing. In a Journal Article called ‘Association of Food Allergy and Other Allergic Conditions With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children’ a recent survey of over 200,000 autistic children found that we may be twice as likely to have some form of allergy.

Before this causes everyone to run out and purchase a child size Hazmat suit for their autistic kiddo, it’s important to note, that whilst there does seem to be a correlation between having autism and having an allergy, the study also provides evidence that it is not the autism which causes the allergy in the first place. Instead, it has been theorised that the same thing which caused the autism to develop has, subsequently, caused the allergy – the jury is still out on that one.

All in all, this information is fascinating but needs further researching – especially as the methodology of having parents surveyed, instead of children tested, is hardly the most credible. Nevertheless, it does provide some interesting ideas surrounding the origin of both autism and allergies and, as such, is well deserving of a place on today’s list.

2. Autistic People make GREAT Employees

Sadly, one important moment seems to have gone under most people’s radar this month. That is, the speech regarding autistic people in employment, which was given by Peter Brabazon, the head of Specialisterne Ireland, at this July’s Inspirefest – ‘a unique international festival of technology, science, design and the arts’, which takes place annually in Dublin.

In the motivational speech, which can be seen by following this link, Brabazon discusses how hiring autistic people in a business not only benefits the employee and the employer but also has economic benefits. Brabazon, who himself has an autistic son, highlights how versatile autistic people can be and explains how we aren’t always number driven and can actually be incredible in many fields, including journalism and the performing arts.

Brabazon also speaks about where, he believes, the struggling autism employment rates stem from. If you do have 10 minutes spare I highly recommend watching this.

1. Reports suggest Autism Diagnosis is a Postcode Lottery

Earlier this month an enquiry into autistic waiting times revealed that in certain parts of the UK, people are can be left waiting up to 4 years to receive a diagnosis. Although most people have responded to this news with a feeling of despair, many more have responded in anger – as it doesn’t take a genius to work out that, when compared to the recommended waiting time of 3 months for a diagnosis, this is unacceptable.

This lengthy wait can be severely damaging for people waiting for a diagnosis as it only adds to problems they already face regarding lack of identity and raised anxiety from feeling separate both from people without autistic diagnoses as well as those with.

All of this, coupled with the fact that your chances of gaining a diagnosis appear to depend on your geological location, suggests that, despite growing numbers of people showing autistic traits, we seem to be regressing in supporting those that have already spent far too long in the undiagnosed void.

Carry on the Conversation:

What do you think of the new blue badge parking policy? Do you know someone who might benefit from the changes? Let me know in the comments below.

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

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