How a controversial medical explanation for difficult kids blew up online

How a controversial medical explanation for difficult kids blew up online

So-called PDA – which offers a medical explanation for why a child will not do as told – has taken off among overwhelmed parents. But it’s a source of contention.

  • byLiam Mannix

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‘False choice’:The decision about schools that leaves parents with few options

‘False choice’:The decision about schools that leaves parents with few options

A state inquiry has made substantial recommendations to improve standards for teaching students with disabilities in NSW.

  • byKayla Olaya
The common food packaging ingredient linked to autism

The common food packaging ingredient linked to autism

Prenatal exposure to BPA plastic chemicals has been linked with an increased likelihood of children developing autism.

  • byCaitlin Fitzsimmons
My surprising mid-life diagnosis makes me proud

My surprising mid-life diagnosis makes me proud

Being told I was neurodivergent was like discovering you’ve been wearing a silly hat since the day you were born,though no one ever thought to mention it.

  • byMike Knapp
‘Best thing I’ve ever done’:How a chance diagnosis transformed this WA mining worker’s life

‘Best thing I’ve ever done’:How a chance diagnosis transformed this WA mining worker’s life

Tristan did not just get his own desk at Fortescue when he shared his diagnosis. He got a ticket to be himself.

  • byPeter Milne
The search to reveal why so many autistic girls go undiagnosed

The search to reveal why so many autistic girls go undiagnosed

New research is trying to uncover whether girls differ from boys in the early childhood signs of autism,leading to delayed or missed diagnoses in girls.

  • byJewel Topsfield
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‘I finally make sense to myself’:Em Rusciano on her late ADHD and autism diagnoses
Dicey Topics
Good Weekend

‘I finally make sense to myself’:Em Rusciano on her late ADHD and autism diagnoses

The stand-up comedian and broadcaster on why she loves “bed-rotting” – and her personal version of hell.

  • byBenjamin Law
Yes,an ‘ADHD tax’ is a real thing. I know because I pay it every day
Opinion
Healthcare

Yes,an ‘ADHD tax’ is a real thing. I know because I pay it every day

We work and strive to live normal lives. But our financial,workplace,education and legal systems are all designed for neurotypical people. And that comes at a price.

  • byCaroline Zielinski
Autism has a ‘cuteness’ problem. My reality is way different
Opinion
Opinion

Autism has a ‘cuteness’ problem. My reality is way different

When I was 13,my favourite teacher decided it would be a good idea to call me “Julia Peculiar” in front of the class. I am forever grateful.

  • byJulia Pound
He loves death metal – and a girl. Helping a teen with autism find his rhythm

He loves death metal – and a girl. Helping a teen with autism find his rhythm

A support worker on a young man navigating life – in a world that hits him differently to others.

  • byJulianne O’Brien
The steps being taken to get better treatment for Australia’s autistic people

The steps being taken to get better treatment for Australia’s autistic people

Australia has its first assistant minister for autism and is crafting its first national autism strategy. How the rest of society steps up will be crucial.

  • byNatassia Chrysanthos