autism

New Guardian analysis shows some of the most affluent areas of England have recorded the sharpest increases in the proportion of young people claiming disability benefits for ADHD and autism. The findings are prompting debate about rising diagnosis rates, better recognition of neurodevelopmental conditions, and pressure on the personal independence payment system.

The use of robots in therapy for autistic children is being scrutinised in a new discussion about its ethical implications. Critics are asking whether robotic interventions genuinely help children develop social skills, or whether they risk replacing human contact and raising questions about consent, dependency and the commercialisation of care. The debate reflects growing attention to how assistive technology should be used with vulnerable groups.

A new study reports that autism is linked to two opposing molecular patterns in the brain, suggesting the condition may involve distinct biological profiles rather than a single underlying signature. Researchers say the findings could help explain why autism presents so differently across individuals and may guide more targeted approaches to studying and eventually treating the condition.