Autism

‘overpathologised’Mental Health

Neurodiverse beautiful young woman with ADHD wearing headphones is taking a break sitting by the window and listening relaxing music. Peaceful moments in quiet place.

UK inquiry into mental health ‘overdiagnosis’, link to benefits

The UK health secretary wants a clinical review of the rise in conditions such as ADHD and autism that cause people to drop out of the workforce and claim benefits.

ELEANOR HAYWARD

CommentaryMental Health

Sad, home and boy with hands on ears for depression, fear and scared of conflict with family by window. Child psychology, autism and depressed, anxiety and upset kid in living room for mental health

The high-stakes NDIS reforms for families of children with autism

Health Minister Mark Butler faces a delicate balance ensuring tens of thousands of autistic children don’t lose vital support as he moves them from the NDIS to his new Thriving Kids scheme.

Steve Robson

GLOBAL BACKLASHMedical

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Democratic Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens as he is introduced by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach during the World Values Network's Presidential candidate series at the Glasshouse on July 25, 2023 in New York City. Kennedy Jr., who is running a longshot primary campaign against President Joe Biden, joined Rabbi Shmuley Boteach to discuss fighting antisemitism and the championing of Israel. Kennedy has faced backlash for his stances on vaccines, most recently for comments he made suggesting that the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease could have been Ã¢â¬Åtargeted to attack Caucasians and Black people,Ã¢â¬Â while sparing Jewish and Chinese people. He has denied allegations of racism and antisemitism. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Vaccine sceptic and conspiracist: here’s Robert F Kennedy Jr

The US president once called RFK Jr the ‘dumbest’ member of the Kennedy clan. Then he chose him to lead America’s health agenda.

DAMIAN WHITWORTH

Medical

Pregnancy is a time of high anxiety for many women and they should turn to their doctor for support. Picture: Getty Images

As a GP, here’s what I will tell my patients about paracetamol

It’s important that pregnant women talk to their doctors about pain relief, as paracetamol studies show no causal link with autism.

Magdalena Simonis

CONFLICTING STUDIESMedical

Mark Butler has asked for advice on Donald Trump's austism announcement.

Australian regulator says paracetamol safe despite Trump warning over autism

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has advised women paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy despite Donald Trump linking the medication to increased autism rates.

Natasha Robinson

Pregnancy panicMedical

Risks and benefits should be weighed before using paracetamol medication such as Panadol. Picture: Getty Images

Are paracetamol’s limited benefits worth the potential risk?

Donald Trump has linked the use of paracetamol in pregnancy to autism. But what benefits does paracetamol really offer?

CHRISTINA ABDEL SHAHEED

CONFLICTING STUDIESMedical

President Donald Trump during a news conference in The White House on Tuesday Australian time, when the President spoke about the alleged link between autism and use the use of acetaminophen by mothers during pregnancy.

Regulator says paracetamol safe, researchers want Trump claims studied

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has advised women paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy despite Donald Trump linking the medication to increased autism rates.

Natasha Robinson

BREAKTHROUGHMedical

Disability App creator Kate Lambridis with her son Leo. Jane Dempster/The Australian.

Autism link to infection offers hope of breakthrough drugs

Autism and other neurodevelopment disorders are now diagnosed based on symptoms, but research into the conditions’ immune system links promises to pave the way for targeted therapies.

Natasha Robinson

EATING DISORDERSMental Health

11/8/2025: Dr Warren Ward and Lexi Crouch have co-authored a book called Renourish, which examines how to support yourself or someone through an eating disorder to recovery, in New Farm, Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen / The Australian

How a brain in starvation can trick and deprive you

Renourish is a compassionate guide to recovering from an eating disorder. Its authors draw on their clinical and personal experience to help reset your mind and body.

Penny Timms

LACK OF TRUSTMedical

A sweet little girl sits up on an exam table as her pediatrician finishes up her vaccinations. She is dressed casually and is looking down at her arm as the doctor places a bandage on the injection site.

With RFK Jr on side, American parents feel free to question vaccines

Exemptions from immunisation requirements among kindergarteners in the US hit their highest level on record this past school year.

SABRINA SIDDIQUI and LIZ ESSLEY WHYTE

‘IT’S REALLY TRIGGERING’Mental Health

At 50, Jamie Oliver is coming to terms with his diagnosis of dyslexia. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

‘I thought I’d buried it’: The diagnosis that brought Jamie Oliver to tears

The chef, who has just turned 50, struggled at school and with the ‘accounty’ part of business. After a formal diagnosis of dyslexia this year, he now knows why.

ROISIN KELLY

NEW RESEARCHMental Health

A new study has found convergent evidence babies born with a vitamin D deficiency are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Picture: iStock

Babies with low vitamin D may have high risk of mental disorders

Australian researchers say they’ve found convergent evidence babies born with vitamin D deficiency are at a higher risk of developing ADHD, schizophrenia, and autism.

Penny Timms

What’s at stake?Mental Health

A focused individual therapy session showing a child and a psychologist discussing child psychology topics in a comfortable setting

Should a psychiatrist reveal they have autism?

Anna Rebowska was encouraged to pursue a role that required less talking. She didn’t take that advice.

Helen Rumbelow

TREATMENT BARRIERCaring

An adult Speech Therapy expert positively engages a young Child using colorful blocks, fostering Language skills and Development in a cheerful environment

Two-year wait for autism diagnosis hurts children’s future

The earlier an autistic child is diagnosed, the better their long-term outcomes. So why are initial diagnoses taking longer and longer?

Stephen Lunn

debunkedMedical

If we knew the cause of autism, it would help to convince people what doesn’t cause it. Picture: iStock/The Australian

If vaccines don’t cause autism, what does?

The risk of autism develops even before we are born. But the origins of the disorder are still not well understood.

SUMATHI REDDY

Beyond autismHealth

5/02/2025 Porcia Lam pictured with her son Harry (6). Porscia Lam has written a book about the challenges for her and her family of raising young son Harry, who has autism, during Melbourne's Covid lockdowns. Aaron Francis / The Australian

‘Hardwired to fight every demand’: what Harry’s family did to find happiness

From getting out of bed to teeth brushing, there are at least 32 steps to help Harry through each day. This is the story of how his family endured Covid lockdowns with an autistic toddler, and their search for answers to his complex behaviour.

Fiona Harari

healthHealth

Australia's first National Autism Strategy is being released. Picture: iStock

Boost for autistic in $42m package

Autistic Australians have some of the poorest life outcomes. This plan is designed to change that.

Penny Timms

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/topics/autism