Police Autism UK
LightNews LightNews
banner
npaa.org.uk
Police Autism UK
@npaa.org.uk
470 followers 46 following 130 posts
The National Police Autism Association (NPAA) supports officers, staff & communities, & promotes neurodiversity in policing | Enquiries: http://npaa.org.uk/contact
Posts Replies Media Videos
npaa.org.uk
A new wide-ranging review into paracetamol (acetaminophen) use by pregnant women, published today in the British Medical Journal, has found no convincing link between the common painkiller and the chances of children being diagnosed with autism or ADHD
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
No link between paracetamol in pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children, review finds
Wide-ranging review finds no convincing connection after Trump said women should ‘fight like hell’ to avoid painkiller
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:52 AM
npaa.org.uk
A scheme by Cumbria Police to screen people in custody for signs of ADHD has provided a "lightbulb moment" for offenders, the officer leading it has said
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Cumbria Police ADHD scheme 'lightbulb moment' for offenders
A scheme to detect ADHD to prevent offenders from returning to custody is rolled out across Cumbria.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM
npaa.org.uk
A woman who found out she had ADHD when she was 36 has said it is "like there is life before and life after" diagnosis
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Couple share life with ADHD to help others understand
Rox was diagnosed with ADHD at 36 and says it led to a
www.bbc.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Reposted by Police Autism UK
tripleaproject.bsky.social
We are looking for Autistic & Neurodivergent creatives from Cumbria to participate in an Art Project which will be known as ‘Penrith Castle’.
November 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Reposted by Police Autism UK
johnpring.bsky.social
A culture of institutional disability discrimination within the Metropolitan police is exposed today by the former head of its disabled staff association.
www.disabilitynewsservice.com/former-detec...
Former detective exposes culture of disability discrimination within ‘institutionally disablist’ Met
A culture of institutional disability discrimination within the Metropolitan police is exposed today by the former head of its disabled staff association. Dave Campbell, who retired this year after…
www.disabilitynewsservice.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:30 AM
npaa.org.uk
Asda hires autistic man who was let go by Waitrose after years of volunteering
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Asda hires autistic man who was let go by Waitrose after years of volunteering
Waitrose asked Tom Boyd not to return when he asked for a few hours of paid work after years as unpaid shelf stacker
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 9:17 PM
npaa.org.uk
Disability hate crime prosecutions tumble again, three years after CPS admitted figures were ‘woeful’
www.disabilitynewsservice.com/disability-h...
Disability hate crime prosecutions tumble again, three years after CPS admitted figures were ‘woeful’
Prosecutions of disability hate crime plummeted again last year, with less than 300 cases taken forward by prosecutors, despite police forces in England and Wales recording more than 10,000 offence…
www.disabilitynewsservice.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:41 AM
npaa.org.uk
Many of our members & followers will identify with this - "It turned out I wasn’t the only one who felt like small talk was an awkward and forced ritual"
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
A moment that changed me: I gave up small talk for a month – and the world came alive
I was fed up with discussing the weather, so I started to ask unexpected questions. The conversations that resulted were revelatory
www.theguardian.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:50 PM
npaa.org.uk
A new start after 60: 'I realised I had autism – and suddenly my life made sense. I have never been so happy'
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
A new start after 60: I realised I had autism – and suddenly my life made sense. I have never been so happy
After decades of loneliness and depression, Cathleen Caffrey had come to think of herself as a bad person. Then she learned about others who had struggled to fit in …
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:52 AM
npaa.org.uk
We are no longer posting to our X account - we will continue to post updates on Bluesky & LinkedIn, and our website npaa.org.uk

Thank you to all our followers 😊
October 11, 2025 at 10:25 AM
npaa.org.uk
Today is the 10th anniversary of the National Police Autism Association

We introduced a new concept of difference to policing - back in 2015, autistic police officers were unheard of

Our Chair reflects on what has changed in the last 10 years & our journey forwards

www.npaa.org.uk/im-supposed-...
I’m supposed to write something here… (part 2) | National Police Autism Association
On the 10th anniversary of the NPAA, our Chair looks back at what has changed since we launched, and what the future holds for neurodiversity within policing by John NelsonChair | National Police Auti...
www.npaa.org.uk
October 10, 2025 at 7:02 AM
npaa.org.uk
In the largest epidemiologic study to date of the risk of giving birth to a child with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability following acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy, researchers found no association.
(Article published in April 2024)
news.ki.se/no-link-betw...
No link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children
In the largest epidemiologic study to date of the risk of giving birth to a child with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability following acetaminophen use during pregnancy, researchers found no associ...
news.ki.se
September 22, 2025 at 12:03 AM
npaa.org.uk
Children with neurodivergent traits, such as those associated with dyslexia, autism or ADHD, could be given better support in school if an MP's bill is successful when it comes before Parliament
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Yeovil MP's bill seeks primary school neurodiversity screening
Adam Dance will present his bill calling for primary age universal screening of neurodivergent traits.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 10:23 PM
npaa.org.uk
Children in the North of England are waiting up to three years longer than those in the south for an autism diagnosis, new data analysis shows
www.news-medical.net/news/2025091...
Children in the North of England face longer wait times for autism diagnosis
Children in the North of England are waiting up to three years longer than those in the south for an autism diagnosis, new data analysis shows.
www.news-medical.net
September 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM
npaa.org.uk
Difficulty starting and getting overwhelmed by tasks are a few signs of executive dysfunction
www.theguardian.com/wellness/202...
What is ‘executive dysfunction’ and how do you overcome it?
Difficulty starting and getting overwhelmed by tasks are a few signs of it. We asked experts for tips on mitigating it
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Reposted by Police Autism UK
angusmacdonaldld.bsky.social
1 in 7 school children are estimated to be neurodivergent. I left school a year early with poor results, it took me decades to realise I wasn’t thick!

@adamjamesdance.bsky.social is introducing a bill that will help a huge number of dyslexic and neurodivergent children. Watch his fantastic speech:
September 11, 2025 at 11:44 AM
npaa.org.uk
NEW BLOG: Can autism be a cause of criminal acts and bad behaviour?
www.npaa.org.uk/autism-made-...
"Autism made me do it" | National Police Autism Association
Can autism be a cause of criminal acts and bad behaviour? by John NelsonChair | National Police Autism Association In June 2020, autism featured in a widely-reported criminal case. Jonty Bravery, an a...
www.npaa.org.uk
August 30, 2025 at 6:40 AM
npaa.org.uk
Around 90% of middle-aged and older autistic adults are undiagnosed in the UK, new review finds
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/up-to-9...
Around 90% of middle-aged and older autistic adults are undiagnosed in the UK, new review finds
89 to 97 per cent of autistic adults aged 40+ years are undiagnosed in the UK, according to the largest review of its kind. The review indicated that middle-aged and older autistic adults are facing h...
www.kcl.ac.uk
August 29, 2025 at 6:03 PM
npaa.org.uk
As another employment tribunal finds against an employer over support for a neurodivergent employee, firms should take note
news.sky.com/story/this-w...
As this woman wins case against employer over ADHD, firms should take note
Official data analysed by Sky News shows the number of people in work with disabilities or long-term health conditions has risen by 21% since the pandemic, including a 35% jump in workers with learnin...
news.sky.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Reposted by Police Autism UK
dimensionsuk.bsky.social
🍿 Upcoming Dimensions #AutismFriendlyScreenings

This weekend we have Wolf Children, Super Charlie and #Smurfs at participating
 #Showcase #Vue #Picturehouse plus lots more at The Light

Check your local cinema:
www.autismfriendly.uk/autism-friendly-screenings
@showcasecinemasuk.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 1:36 PM
npaa.org.uk
NEWS: Major study uncovers biologically distinct autism subtypes
www.npaa.org.uk/researchers-...
Researchers identify four genetic autism subtypes | National Police Autism Association
Analysis of autistic children reveals genes linked to traits and developmental trajectories Researchers at Princeton University and the private non-profit Simons Foundation have identified four clinic...
www.npaa.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by Police Autism UK
petequily.bsky.social
Number one drug people with ADHD self medicate with.

Tobacco.
nora.zone Nora Reed (they/them ze/hir) @nora.zone · Aug 14
you want to fix smoking? get people who are dependant on cigarettes on ADHD treatments and see if they help; they're probably self medicating
August 14, 2025 at 6:59 PM
npaa.org.uk
Planning a trip this summer? Autism West Midlands have put together some simple travel tips to help make journeys calmer, more predictable and less stressful for autistic children
Travel tips for autistic children: 1. Use visual schedules or timelines 2. Prepare together in advance 3. Pack comfort and regulation items 4. Build in extra time and breaks 5. Use social stories or videos 6. Keep some routines the same
August 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
npaa.org.uk
"Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviour"
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviour | Letter
Letters: Gregg Wallace and his employers must take responsibility for his actions – his autism is irrelevant, writes Richard Cross
www.theguardian.com
July 24, 2025 at 10:45 AM
npaa.org.uk
Congratulations to Det Ch Insp Becky Davies on being awarded a commendation for her work in supporting neurodivergent crime suspects 👏
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Police officer awarded for work with neurodiverse suspects
Det Ch Insp Becky Davies says she was partly inspired by her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD.
www.bbc.com
July 21, 2025 at 7:49 AM