Young people with learning disabilities and autism have come together across the UK to push for greater access to employment opportunities, marking National Supported Internship Day. The campaign, led by DFN Project SEARCH, included events in Westminster and nationwide, highlighting the importance of supported internships in helping young people move from education into work.
Supported internships are structured, work-based programmes designed for those aged 16 to 24 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), typically supported by an Education, Health and Care Plan. These programmes are widely recognised as an effective route into employment, offering practical experience and helping to build confidence and independence.
As part of the week’s events, more than 100 young people gathered in Westminster for a dedicated SEND Youth Parliament. The event brought together politicians and policymakers to discuss the challenges faced by young people entering the workforce. Speakers emphasised the need to ensure that proposed changes to SEND provision do not limit access to supported internships or reduce opportunities after education.
Campaigners say internships can be life-changing, yet employment rates remain low, with fewer than 5% of adults with learning disabilities in paid work. However, programmes like those run by DFN Project SEARCH show strong outcomes, with many participants progressing into jobs. Young people involved say these opportunities help break down stereotypes and prove their value in the workplace.
A new healthcare initiative aimed at improving respiratory support for people with learning disabilities has led to a sharp drop in hospital use. The programme has reduced hospital bed days by more than 90% and cut respiratory-related admissions by over three-quarters, according to recent findings.
The scheme focuses on preventing chest infections, a major health risk for this group, by offering earlier intervention and clearer care planning. Data collected over a year showed notable improvements, including fewer A&E visits, reduced antibiotic use and a decline in GP appointments. Cases of chest infections also fell significantly, suggesting a strong impact on overall health outcomes.
Respiratory illness remains a leading cause of avoidable deaths among people with learning disabilities, often resulting in repeated hospital stays. The initiative aims to tackle this by shifting care away from reactive treatment towards prevention, identifying those most at risk and providing tailored support.
The approach combines coordinated care across services, accessible personalised plans, digital resources and specialist training for healthcare staff. Early economic analysis indicates substantial cost savings for the NHS. Following its success, the programme is now being made available for wider use across the UK, offering a scalable model for improving care and reducing pressure on health services.
New research suggests that around one in five autistic children are affected by constipation, with links to increased hospital visits for digestive issues. The findings, published in a leading gastroenterology journal, highlight the wider health impact this condition can have on young people.
The study examined more than 20 million health records of children aged six to 17 over a nine-year period. It found that constipation was significantly more common among autistic children than their non-autistic peers, alongside higher rates of related issues such as faecal incontinence. Those affected were also more likely to attend emergency departments or require hospital care for abdominal problems.
Further analysis showed that autistic children experiencing constipation faced a much greater likelihood of additional complications. They were considerably more prone to abdominal pain and far more likely to need urgent medical attention or admission to hospital compared with those without constipation.
Although researchers noted some limitations, including potential inconsistencies in diagnosis records, the overall findings underline the importance of recognising gastrointestinal symptoms early. Constipation in autistic individuals may present differently, sometimes appearing through behavioural changes such as disrupted sleep or reduced appetite. The study calls for greater awareness and improved approaches to care, aiming to reduce avoidable hospital visits and better support affected children and their families.
