Autism
Science news: testing for autism and a new treatment for tumours
Dr Chris Smith looks at a blood test for autism that can pick up biochemical markers that are significantly altered in autistic patients; and testing underway on a new approach to treating brain… Audio
"Normal is boring!" - Josef Schovanec
Kathryn Ryan meets Dr Josef Schovanec, French writer, academic, polyglot and advocate for people with autism. He's an advisor to the French government, and travels France and the world, speaking about… Audio
Autistic rights advocate speaks against murderous mother's sentence
An advocate for autistic rights has spoken out against a Nelson mum's four year sentence, saying it sends a message that murdering an autistic person is a viable option for desperate parents. Audio
Autistic boy due in court for fifth time in five days
A 14-year-old autistic boy will appear in the Palmerston North District Court again today, as his parents battle with agencies to find him a permanent place to live.
Minister should have acted sooner over seclusion rooms - Greens
Education Minister Hekia Parata should have stopped the use of seclusion rooms in schools as soon as she found out about them, the Green Party says.
Jailed autistic man abandoned by mental health agencies
The mother of a young autistic man who has spent nearly a week in prison feels she and her son were abandoned and ignored by mental health agencies after being "put in the too-hard basket''. Audio
Autistic 18-year-old's imprisonment 'outrageous', judge says
A young autistic man who has spent nearly a week in prison has now been put in a special care facility, after the judge called the situation "outrageous". Audio
School staff refuse to talk to police about seclusion room complaint
Staff at one of eight special schools that have used seclusion rooms to discipline children have refused to talk to police investigating a family's complaint.
Autistic man's imprisonment 'outrageous', judge says
A young autistic man who has spent nearly a week in prison has now been put in special care facility after the judge called the situation "outrageous". Audio
Seclusion room inquiry given top priority - Chief Ombudsman
Investigating the use of seclusion rooms in New Zealand schools is at the top of his priority list, the Chief Ombudsman says. Video
Seclusion rooms a symptom of under-funding, advocates say
Advocates for children with disabilities say seclusion rooms are a symptom of under-funding of the special education system.
School that shut away kids used 'outmoded' practices - report
A Wellington school used a special room dozens of times to confine children, but did not record every use of the room, according to a report released today. Video
Ombudsman launches seclusion rooms inquiry
The Ombudsman will investiage the use of seclusion rooms in schools, after at least two autistic children were reportedly locked in a Wellington school's seclusion room. Audio
Locking away autistic boy 'wrong on so many levels'
The parents of a second special needs child have come forward to say he has been locked in a small cell-like room at Wellington's Miramar Central School. Video, Audio
British actor Christopher Eccleston and The A Word
British actor Christopher Eccleston famously abandoned the coveted lead role in Dr Who after just one series, despite it being a hugely popular reboot of the scifi show. Christopher may be fussy about… Audio
What’s going on in the minds of children with neurological disorders?
Susan Haldane is the head of Mind Over Manner - an organisation which uses the power of theatre to help people understand what's going on in the minds of children with neurological disorders like ADHD… Audio
Petition to get autistic man out of isolation presented to Parliament
The father of an autistic man held in an isolated mental health unit is hopeful a petition before Parliament will help other people in his son's situation. Audio
Song for Autism
Auckland teenager Kane Chong decided to write a song about the importance of accepting people with Autism. He wrote it for his childhood friend, and sent a demo off to the Play It Strange Trust. It's… Audio
Karen Pierce and Eric Courchesne - Early Detection of Autism
Karen Pierce and Eric Courchesne are directors at the University of California's Autism Centre of Excellence. Dr Pierce specialises in the early detection and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder… Audio
Life, Animated
Film maker Roger Ross Williams takes us on a journey through the fascinating life of Owen Suskind, who has autism. Life, Animated - which is part of the New Zealand International Film Festival -… Audio
