Autism
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
Mind over Manner
Sue Haldane is the founder of a charity that uses the power of theater to help people get inside the minds of people with autistic spectrum and attention deficit disorders. Her latest workshop is… Audio
Seeing the world through animal eyes
Dr Temple Grandin of Colorado State University is a prominent autism educator, animal-rights advocate, livestock-equipment designer and an accidental fashion icon. She has a unique ability to… Audio
Curious Thinkers
Susan Haldane has developed a course for parents, teachers, and others who interact with teenagers who think differently. Her workshop series, Mind Over Manner, is designed to teach strategies to cope… Audio
Autism and gut bacteria
Science is continuing to explore the way what happens in your brain may be affected by what happens in your gut. We've heard about how gut bacteria might have an impact on things like depression, but… Audio
Call to end seclusion for autistic people
The government needs to find alternatives to seclusion for people with severe autism, say mental health advocates.
Autistic man's parents fight for his release
The parents of an autistic 38-year-old who spends most of his day locked in an isolated mental health unit are demanding his release. Audio
The importance of art therapy
Mapura Studio in Auckland provides a creative outlet for those with disabilities. Programmes are offered for all ages and abilities, and include life drawing, cartooning and dance. Studio director… Audio
Mind blowing! Unlocking emotions after decades of Asperger's
''Free-range Aspergian'' John Elder Robison, tells the story of how cutting-edge neuroscience helped him develop the ability to read other people's emotional cues. His latest book, Switched On: A… Audio
Communicating through dance
Dancing is an art form that can allow someone to express how they truly feel. Either alone, or in the case of documentary How to Dance in Ohio, in a social context. Documentary maker Alexandra Shiva… Audio
Family with severely autistic daughter left with nowhere to go
A family with a severely autistic daughter are at a loss after learning the home they spent tens of thousands modifying is a leaky building. Video, Audio