New research suggests that there are many more children with autism in the UK than previously thought. About one per cent of primary school children currently have a diagnosis of autism. But the new study by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at the Autism Research Centre and the Institute of Public Health at Cambridge University estimates [...]

The former Downing Street communications director, Alastair Campbell, has won an award for his campaigning on mental health issues. Campbell, who secured more than half of a public vote, was named champion of the year by the mental health charity Mind at an awards ceremony in London on 14 May. Campbell has spoken openly about [...]

Fewer than one in six families with disabled children believe they have the support they need to lead a full family life, according to a new survey. The charity Scope, which carried out the online survey of 500 families with disabled children across the UK, said the results showed they still faced substantial barriers, such [...]

The government’s equality bill has cleared its first major hurdle in the Commons, despite Conservative opposition. The bill, which will streamline existing equality laws, includes measures to make it easier for someone claiming discrimination to prove they are disabled; ban discrimination against carers; and extend protection in housing and employment. During the second reading debate, [...]

The government has selected 68 projects across England as it gears up to test the use of personal budgets for people using health services. The pilots – which include projects for people with long-term conditions and mental health services – will give patients more control over how money is spent on their treatment, what services [...]