February Neurodiversity Media and Research Blast
The latest breakthroughs, stories, and insights—all in one place
This month’s roundup includes columns and editorials, scientific research, social policy, business, and technology. From in-depth discussions on neurodivergent identity and workplace inclusion to the latest medical and psychological studies, this issue covers a variety of neurodiversity-related media and research.
Columns and Editorial
Hire More Neurodivergent Workers (The Globe and Mail) This article argues that hiring neurodivergent workers is a key strategy to addressing Canada’s growing talent shortage.
“Disrupting Imprints in Autism” (Psychology Today)
Explores how outdated psychological and societal views on autism continue to shape modern understanding, often to the detriment of autistic people. The piece calls for a shift in perception to move beyond deficit-based models.“Autism in Women: An Under-Diagnosed Reality” (Psychology Today)
Highlights the challenges women face in getting an autism diagnosis due to gender biases in diagnostic criteria and societal expectations.“Harvard & Walter Fernald Center: A History of Disability” (Harvard Magazine)
Investigates the legacy of the Walter E. Fernald State School, a former institution for intellectually disabled individuals, and how its history informs contemporary discussions on disability rights and care.
Health & Medical Research
“Rising Autism Rates” (ABC News)
Investigates whether increased autism diagnoses reflect a true rise in cases or improved detection methods.“Delayed Autism Diagnoses” (MedicalXpress)
Explores disparities in the timing of autism diagnoses across different racial and socioeconomic groups.“ADHD & Smoking Treatment” (STAT News)
Investigates whether nicotine and other smoking-related treatments could be used to manage ADHD symptoms, given their impact on dopamine regulation.“Non-Pharmacological ADHD Management” (ResearchGate)
This study reviews alternative treatments for ADHD, including behavioral therapy, diet changes, and mindfulness interventions.“Reexamining Reciprocity in Autism” (ResearchGate)
A systematic review of how autistic people experience and express social reciprocity, challenging the stereotype that autistic people lack social interest.“Cerebellar Neuromodulation & Social Cognition in Autism” (ResearchGate)
This study examines how cerebellar function affects social cognition in autistic people through both human and animal studies.A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Brief Mental Health Crisis Prevention Program for Autistic Youth (Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, February 2025) This study evaluates the effectiveness of a brief mental health crisis prevention program designed for autistic youth.
Autism & Multilingualism (Washington Post)
A new study suggests that multilingual children with autism have enhanced executive function skills compared to their monolingual peers, offering a fresh perspective on language acquisition and neurodiversity.Mitochondria and Social Memory (Neuroscience News)
This study explores how mitochondrial function impacts social memory, providing insight into neurological conditions.New Autism-Related Genetic Findings (PubMed)
A genetic study identifies new autism-linked genes, offering further understanding of how genetic variations influence neurodevelopment.Health Outcomes in Neurodivergent Individuals (Molecular Autism)
A study on health outcomes in neurodivergent populations, focusing on healthcare disparities and potential strategies for improving access and treatment.“ADHD in Autistic Adults” (JAMA Network)
Reports on a study showing that ADHD symptoms persist into adulthood for many autistic people, affecting their mental health and daily functioning.Shared Root Cause of Psychiatric Conditions (Cell)
New research reveals that several conditions, such as autism and schizophrenia, may share common genetic pathways, opening new avenues for treatment.Advances in Autism Research (Nature)
A comprehensive review of recent breakthroughs in autism research, focusing on brain imaging and early intervention strategies.
Education & Accessibility
“Neurodivergent Scientists & Disclosure Challenges” (STAT News)
Discusses the challenges neurodivergent scientists face in professional settings, including disclosure of diagnoses and how masking affects collaboration.“Peel District’s Inclusive School Programs” (Peel Schools Media Release)
Highlights the Peel District School Board’s efforts to create more inclusive educational spaces for neurodiverse students through its Stay & Play initiative.“Quebec’s Teacher Evaluation Plan & Special Education” (Canadian Press)
Examines the push for stricter teacher evaluations and its potential impact on special education students.Challenges for Neurodiverse Students (The Conference Board of Canada)
The article highlights the barriers neurodiverse students face in education, including a lack of tailored support systems and inclusive teaching practices.Indigenous Views on Autism (CBC)
Indigenous families in Saskatchewan share their perspectives on autism, blending traditional cultural views with modern healthcare approaches.York Catholic Program and Literacy Gains (Toronto Star)
A successful literacy program helped struggling students make significant progress, but its discontinuation raises concerns about education policy decisions.
Mental Health and Policy
Autistic Leaders in Medicine (Insight Plus)
A call for greater representation of autistic professionals in medicine, emphasizing the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the field.“Cyprus & Disability Rights” (Cyprus Mail)
Investigates how disabled individuals in Cyprus face social invisibility and lack of access to basic human rights.“Autism BC’s Call for Police Reform” (Quesnel Observer)
Advocates for law enforcement training in handling neurodivergent individuals following the police-involved death of a neurodiverse teenager.Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Admissions (ResearchGate)
This study examines how COVID-19 affected hospital admissions for children with developmental disabilities, revealing significant health inequities.Considerations for Online Psychiatric Research (Mount Sinai Research)
Researchers emphasize the need for ethical guidelines and better data security in online psychiatric research, given its growing popularity.Human Rights Complaints Against UNB Law School (CBC)
Law students at the University of New Brunswick have filed human rights complaints, alleging discrimination against neurodiverse and disabled students.
Business & Consumer Affairs
Social Security Overpayment (Moneywise)
This story on an autistic man in Wisconsin sheds light on the challenges many face with social security overpayments and the financial hardship they cause.Neurodiversity at Work (Vanderbilt University)
An event at Vanderbilt University highlights the growing movement for neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace, promoting innovative hiring practices.Designing a Neurodiverse City (Bloomberg)
This article explores urban planning strategies that make cities more accessible and accommodating for neurodivergent people.The Business of Employing Neurodiverse Adults (Newstalk Podcast)
This podcast discusses how businesses can benefit from hiring neurodiverse employees and outlines best practices for creating an inclusive workplace.