Welcome to the sixth edition of our popular 'Autism in the News' series of blog articles, in which we look at recent stories involving autism and autistic people to have been in the limelight.

Sensory Hug® Mini in the Bulldog theme

Testing of New ASD Web Tool
A new web tool designed to 'serve as a comprehensive and accessible resource on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for both researchers and the public' has been developed by research teams from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in North Carolina, USA. The tool, named 'aWARE' was created using systematic evidence mapping technology, allowing scientific literature about ASD to be identified and categorised before being accessed. 

aWARE was recently demonstrated to physicians, researchers, advocacy groups and members of the ASD community at a two-day workshop. After the demonstration, participants were allowed to try out the interactive tool for themselves, providing valuable feedback to the design team about what they learned, how they could use it and if they encountered any issues. The feedback will be used to further develop and refine aWARE before it is made fully available.

The Kid's Kilometre
Run Bournemouth is an annual event comprising six different races in and around the beautiful coastal town, from just a single kilometre to a full half-marathon. This year's event took place in October, Luca Forsey took part in the Kid's Kilometre race, which saw children run the course with a parent.  

Luca is just three years of age and was recently diagnosed with autism. He has always enjoyed watching his father run and decided that he wanted to take part himself. Dad Elliott is a keen fundraiser for the Autism Unlimited charity and Luca is also being sponsored for the Kid's Kilometre. Autism Unlimited manages Portfield School at which Luca will be enrolling next year. Elliott said: "It’s great to know we are already contributing to the school which will be supporting him in the coming years." If you want to support Luca, then please visit his JustGiving page. 

Sensory Hug® Maxi in the Mermaid theme

New Radio Show Goes Live
The first edition of a brand new radio show was broadcast on October 1st, timed to coincide with International Music Day. More than 20 people from the northwest who have autism and learning disabilities took full control of editing and presenting the groundbreaking show, with specialist staff from the two organising charities offering support.

The project was a collaboration between the Alternative Futures Group and social care provider One Fylde. Participants were able to learn a host of new skills while enjoying the novelty of having a 'platform to share their passion for music and life'.

The Sensory Hug® Solution

Medigarments Ltd is a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of dynamic compression garments, including our innovative Sensory Hug®. Wearing the Sensory Hug®; one of 'The World of SDO®' garment ranges by Medigarments Ltd, has also been clinically proven to help improve the quality of life for people with autism by providing a practical, effective way to deliver constant, consistent therapeutic pressure. Crafted from a combination of Orthowrap™ and Lycra^®, the Mini and Maxi formats of the Sensory Hug^® provide proprioceptive and sensory feedback to the wearer, helping to increase concentration and attentiveness while reducing anxiety and stress.

Find out more about the Sensory Hug^® and other SDO^® ranges from Medigarments Ltd on our website or reach out to our expert clinical team who are happy to assist you. For more special features like this one here, please subscribe to our free email newsletter or spread the word by liking and following us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Sensory Hug^® is part of The World of SDO^® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis range of dynamic Lycra^® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. Sensory Hug^® and SDO^® are the registered trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.