Netflix is supporting a unique drama diploma created specifically for autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities, aiming to improve disability representation in the UK’s television industry. Although 20% of the UK population lives with a disability, only 8% of TV characters reflect this – a gap this initiative hopes to close.

The diploma, developed by Access All Areas in collaboration with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, is the first of its kind globally. It focuses on nurturing students’ creativity while building confidence, communication skills, and independence. Feedback from previous cohorts has been overwhelmingly positive, with most reporting personal growth and a stronger sense of self-expression through the performing arts.

Since its inception in 2013, nearly 80% of graduates have gone on to work professionally in the creative industries. Alumni have landed roles in popular television dramas and collaborated with major broadcasters and theatres across the UK, including the BBC, ITV, National Theatre, and the Royal Court. This programme is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry.

Netflix says its involvement is part of a long-term commitment to amplifying diverse voices, supporting new talent, and helping to break down barriers faced by disabled and neurodivergent artists.

Autism diagnoses have surged dramatically in recent years, with figures in the UK showing an eightfold increase since 1998. Experts suggest this growth is not necessarily due to a rise in the number of autistic people, but rather a broader definition of what autism includes. Once focused on children with high support needs, the diagnostic criteria now encompass a wider range of traits, including those found in people previously diagnosed with Asperger’s and PDD-NOS.

This expanded understanding has led to greater recognition of autism in adults and women, two groups historically underdiagnosed. Girls, in particular, often mask their traits and were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions in the past. Increased awareness and updated research have helped identify many previously overlooked cases.

The shift has also seen more adults receiving diagnoses, often with fewer support needs. Some see this as overdue recognition, while others worry that public understanding is being skewed by a focus on "milder" portrayals in media.

Though some speculate environmental factors may play a role, researchers like UCL’s Ginny Russell argue the rise in diagnoses is largely cultural. Changing perceptions and a wider net for diagnosis explain the boom, with genetics still seen as the main underlying cause of autism.

A recent UK study has highlighted the continued use of psychotropic drugs among adults with learning disabilities in community and supported living settings, often prescribed for behaviours that challenge, despite the absence of a diagnosed severe mental illness. The findings, published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, reveal that nearly half of those assessed were prescribed antipsychotics, followed by antidepressants, anti-epileptics, and benzodiazepines.

The research found significant levels of polypharmacy, with 45% of individuals taking more than one type of psychotropic medication, and 20% receiving both antipsychotics and antidepressants. These prescribing practices persist despite limited clinical justification and strong guidance advising against such approaches without robust, multi-disciplinary interventions in place.

Medication data was gathered from 112 adults as part of a feasibility randomised controlled trial involving SPECTROM – a staff training initiative developed to support NHS England’s STOMP campaign, which aims to reduce the overuse of psychotropic drugs in people with learning disabilities and autism. Encouragingly, the study showed that individuals supported by staff trained through SPECTROM were more likely to experience reduced medication doses over six months.

National guidance advises that antipsychotics should only be used when combined with psychosocial interventions. These approaches, such as positive behaviour support and communication therapies, aim to address underlying causes of distress and promote healthier, non-pharmacological ways of managing behaviours that challenge.

New figures from the CDC in the United States reveal that one in every 31 children is now diagnosed with autism by the age of eight. The data, gathered from 16 communities in 2022, also shows that children from Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic backgrounds are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis compared to white children. Boys remain more frequently diagnosed than girls, although the gap is narrowing.

The CDC notes that increased early identification is likely a key factor in the rise, especially as more children born in 2018 were diagnosed by age four than those born in 2014. The Autism Society of America has stressed that this growing prevalence does not point to an epidemic but rather to progress in recognising autism earlier, calling for further improvements in early screening and timely access to services.

Across the Atlantic, the UK faces a growing crisis in autism assessment. NHS figures show over 212,000 people were waiting for an assessment as of December 2024 – an 82% increase in two years. Despite NICE guidance stating no one should wait longer than 13 weeks, 90% of those waiting have already surpassed this timeframe.

The British Medical Association warns that these delays can severely hinder a child's development. Campaigners are urging for ringfenced funding to enforce NHS England’s Autism Assessment Framework, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen diagnostic services and provide adequate support.

A grassroots initiative created to support families struggling with lengthy NHS waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments has now gained charity status. The Roxi Foundation, based in Swindon, Wiltshire, was launched by the family of a young woman who faced years of challenges before finally receiving diagnoses for both conditions.

Founder Matt Pound, Roxi’s father, explained that their experience made him realise many other families were facing the same barriers. “If we found it that hard, I knew we couldn’t be the only ones,” he said. The charity offers grants to cover the cost of private assessments, giving families quicker access to support services.

One parent, Julian, shared how his daughter Hannah had become withdrawn and non-verbal while waiting over two years for help. The Roxi Foundation stepped in to fund a private assessment, leading to diagnoses of autism and ADHD. “She’s like a different child now – more engaged and communicative,” Julian said, who now helps raise funds for the charity.

While the cost of private assessments limits how many families can be supported, the foundation has already helped three young people and raised £7,000 in 2024, with a £20,000 fundraising goal for 2025. The NHS says it is working on earlier intervention and new neurodevelopmental care pathways to improve access.

Leading charities have written to Stephen Kinnock MP, Minister of State for Care, calling for immediate action after figures revealed that 2,025 autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities are still being detained in mental health hospitals.

Despite previous commitments to reduce these numbers, the Government has delayed changes to detention laws, stating that reforms outlined in the Mental Health Bill won’t be enacted until it is confident sufficient community-based support is in place. The National Autistic Society, Mencap, and The Challenging Behaviour Foundation are among the organisations urging ministers to publish a clear, detailed strategy without further delay.

One year has passed since the Government and NHS missed their 2024 target to halve the number of people detained since 2015. Alarmingly, rather than falling, the number of autistic people detained has risen by 4% since then. Overall, detentions have increased by 136% since 2015 - highlighting a worsening crisis.

Although a new target of a 10% reduction by March 2026 has been introduced, campaigners say this lacks direction and ambition. Mel Merritt from the National Autistic Society stressed the urgent need for a coordinated Government plan, warning that without one, people will continue to face long, harmful detentions - often lasting nearly five years - in institutions not designed to meet their needs.

Vital support services for unpaid carers are under serious threat due to increased employer National Insurance contributions, according to the Carers Trust. The charity warns that its network of over 130 local carer organisations now faces an added financial burden of £3.3 million, which, alongside higher wage costs, brings the total impact to £7.5 million. As a result, many centres may be forced to cut services, reduce staff, or help fewer carers.

The rise comes into effect during a time of growing financial pressure on unpaid carers, who are also facing cuts to benefits. Local carer services offer essential help for the UK’s six million unpaid carers and around one million young carers, including practical support, information, breaks from caring and emergency grants. Many of these families already struggle financially, with two-thirds of carers needing to reduce or leave work due to their responsibilities.

Almost all of the affected organisations (93%) say the additional costs threaten their ability to continue operating, with 30% expecting to cut core services, 40% likely to reduce staffing, and 28% anticipating a drop in the number of carers they can support.

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, called for urgent government action, warning that without proper funding, many carers could lose the only support they have.

Experts have raised concerns over the number of children in Scotland facing long, unreported waits for autism and ADHD assessments. Despite recent progress in mental health services – with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) meeting its 18-week treatment target for the first time – thousands remain on "hidden" waiting lists for neurodevelopmental assessments.

Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests reveal that thousands of young people across health boards, including over 8,500 in Lanarkshire and more than 7,500 in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, are waiting for their first appointment. However, the data is not published consistently, and campaigners are urging the Scottish government to be more transparent and to ring-fence funding for neurodevelopmental support.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland warns that children with conditions like autism and ADHD often wait longer due to prioritisation of those with immediate mental health risks. Delays in assessment can have lasting impacts on education and wellbeing, with many developing mental health issues as a result of unsupported neurodivergence.

While funding for mental health services has increased, demand continues to outpace capacity. Organisations such as the Salvesen Mindroom Centre have seen referrals soar, highlighting the need for better data, clearer pathways, and more staff to meet rising needs.

A Norfolk-based charity supporting young people with mental health challenges has welcomed fresh government investment aimed at improving access to early intervention services. Youth organisation MAP runs early support hubs in King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth, and Norwich, offering immediate help while young people await NHS treatment.

The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has reported a significant drop - over 50% - in waiting list numbers since April 2022. However, many young people still face lengthy waits. Mel, a 15-year-old from King’s Lynn, shared how she waited four years for a referral for PTSD treatment. After her GP declined to refer her to CAMHS, MAP stepped in and helped her secure a place on the NHS waiting list, offering ongoing support throughout.

“I waited years for someone to listen,” Mel said. “Without MAP, I wouldn’t have received the help I needed. We need to address issues early - prevention is far better than cure.” She also pointed to academic pressure as a key factor behind the rise in mental health struggles among her peers.

Labour has confirmed plans to expand early support hubs, which were originally piloted by the previous Conservative government. MAP CEO Dan Mobbs welcomed the funding, highlighting the growing mental health crisis, with one in five young people now affected. Senior mental health worker Dan Klyn stressed that MAP supports anyone in need - regardless of how severe their condition may seem.

As part of Autism Acceptance Month, The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent, has been honoured with an Autism-Friendly Award from national support provider Dimensions. The accolade celebrates the sanctuary’s dedication to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for autistic visitors and staff alike.

Over 30 members of the team at the sanctuary recently completed specialist training delivered by Dimensions, which focused on understanding autism, improving communication, and making meaningful adjustments to the environment. The training has been developed over 15 years and empowers organisations to make their spaces more accessible and less overwhelming for autistic individuals.

Sarah Walters, Campaigns Manager at Dimensions, said: “We’re proud to recognise The Big Cat Sanctuary’s efforts in making their site more autism inclusive. It’s vital that public spaces become more accessible, and this award reflects a real commitment to that goal. We hope other organisations follow their lead in making their services more inclusive.”

To put their learning into practice, the sanctuary will host its first Sensory Inclusive Open Day this summer. The event will include lower noise levels, tailored talks, and hands-on activities designed with neurodiverse guests in mind. British Sign Language interpreters will also be present, ensuring deaf visitors can fully engage and enjoy the experience in a welcoming and comfortable setting.