Latest news with #Autism
The Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fresh Meat and Death In Paradise star reveals life changing diagnosis at 39 saying she's in tears and ‘still processing'
A FRESH Meat and Death in Paradise star has revealed her life changing health diagnosis at 39, saying she's in tears and 'still processing.' Kimberley Nixon famously played Josie in Fresh Meat, who seemed like a very shy Welsh girl, but was actually foul-mouthed and short-tempered. 4 4 Before Fresh Meat, Kimberley had been in films Wild Child and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. Since the show she's appeared in Ordinary Lies, Death in Paradise and ITV drama The Salisbury Poisonings. Now, the 39-year-old actress has revealed she has been clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Sharing a collage of photos of herself crying 'happy tears,' in a grey jumper, the star shared her update with fans. Kimberley wrote: 'Happy tears. Still processing. Haven't read the full report yet but… 'Today I was clinically diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. 'I feel lighter than I have in a long time because instead of feeling like my brain is 'broken', I know now that it was just doing things differently all this time.' She continued: 'I want to go back in time and give my younger self a cwtch and save her a lot of time and heartache but I can't change anything about how I got here really because then I wouldn't be me. 'I've always shared the ups and downs - so I wanted to share this with the most compassionate and accepting bunch I know - and that's been you lot over these past few years. Jack Whitehall reunites with Fresh Meat co-stars 12yrs after joining Channel 4 sitcom 'From the midst of brutal Postnatal OCD through to today's diagnosis, a lot of you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you.' Fans rushed to the comments to praise the star for her honest words, as one person wrote: 'Congratulations on the first day of the rest of your life.' A second penned: 'We hope it brings you some self-compassion and understanding,' and a third echoed: 'Welcomeeeeee 💛 Go gently with yourself as you adjust to a new inner reality! Xx' What is autism? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an incurable, lifelong developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It affects around one in 100 people in the UK and is three to four times more common in boys than in girls. Many people with ASD find it hard to understand other people's feelings and emotions, and they may have difficulty holding conversations. When they are young, their language development may take longer and they can struggle to use facial expressions, using gestures to communicate instead. They may also find it hard to connect with other people and to hold eye contact with unfamiliar individuals. Many children with ASD like to follow a routine, and changes to this can cause distress. High functioning autism is an informal term some people use to describe those on the autism spectrum disorder. The star is a proud mum to a little boy, and also has a dog, both of which she shares occasional photos of on social media. In a sweet Father's Day post recently, Kimberley praised her partner and posted a carousel of images of him with their adorable son. She wrote: 'To the Dads who not only have a newborn but a struggling partner to care for. 'To the Dads that show up ALL the time even if they're knackered or grumpy or even more knackered. To the Dads who care so deeply but show so little. 'To the Dads that really mean it when it's 50/50. Or 60/40 or 70/30 depending what's going on in life. 'To the Dads who hug and kiss their children and leave them in no doubt how loved they are. To the Dads who always stand up for their partner. 'To this Dad, who never looked away even when things got tough. Who always saw straight through to the heart of me when I lost myself and even I couldn't see it. Who loves me and our son unconditionally but that doesn't mean he'll let us get away with stuff. 'Sometimes Dads get left out of the perinatal mental illness conversation. I've found in a lot of instances, they're the silent, sidelined heroes keeping everything together. Remember that there's help and support for Dads too.' 4 4
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
Autistic Pride Day 2025: From Rural Clinics to Global Patents — India's Children Find a Voice
Autistic Pride Day isn't about diagnosis. It's about dignity. Why June 18 matters more than ever in 2025. June 18th was once just another day on the calendar. Today, it's a reckoning. Autistic Pride Day is not a celebration in the conventional sense. It is not about parades. It is not about hashtags. It is not even about awareness anymore — because awareness without understanding is noise. Today, the world listens not because it's fashionable — but because it can no longer afford not to. For the first time in history, Autistic Pride Day is not just about being seen. It's about being heard — in the language that matters most: measured ability. documented dignity. structured support. This day belongs to the child who flaps their hands instead of raising them in class. To the parent who waited 912 days to hear 'Amma.' To the mother told her child had 'no future,' only to watch that child walk into a mainstream school smiling. To the millions of families across the world who didn't need sympathy — they needed a system. For decades, the world has observed neurodivergent children from a distance — labelling, guessing, often misdiagnosing. Therapists tried. Teachers adapted. Parents prayed. But still, no one truly knew what was happening inside the child. Today, 18th June 2025, we don't just raise flags. We raise the standard of how the world understands autism. This is the year when India, a country once considered behind in developmental healthcare, became the torchbearer of global change. This is the day the world stopped whispering 'something is wrong' — And started asking: 'What does this child need next?' And answering it — not with opinion, but with AbilityScore®. This is not just Autistic Pride Day. This is the day the world listens. For real. For science. For every unheard child. II. The Global Autism Gap: 144 Years Without a Mirror The world has had awareness. What it lacked was a measurable system — until now For 144 years, since autism was first described in clinical literature, the world has made immense strides in awareness. From academic journals to awareness ribbons, from clinical guidelines to social movements — society gradually moved from ignorance to intention. But intention without instrumentation leads only to heartbreak. Despite the world's best efforts, we still couldn't answer the most fundamental question every parent asks: 'What exactly is happening inside my child?' We had IQ tests that said too little. Diagnostic labels that said too late. And therapy plans built more on observation than on evidence. Across continents — from New York to Nairobi, London to Lucknow — families were given labels without language, reports without roadmaps, appointments without answers. A pediatrician in California called it a 'developmental delay.' A teacher in Seoul called it 'behavioral.' A grandmother in Chennai whispered 'maybe cursed.' But no one could measure what the child was actually experiencing — let alone track what was improving. That was the gap. The silent tragedy. The missing mirror. Autism — and broader neurodevelopmental conditions — were still being managed like mysteries. Governments were investing. Therapists were working. Parents were sacrificing. And yet, we were treating childhood as a guessing game. How could the human race map the human genome… …but not map a child's mind? How could we send spacecrafts to the moon… …but still not have a standard score to decode speech delay, sensory distress, or emotional dysregulation? How could a child in Peru and a child in Punjab both face the same struggles — yet receive entirely different, unmeasurable, incompatible care? The global developmental ecosystem lacked three things: 1.A Universal Language To decode ability, not just disability. 2. A Measurable Score That could be understood by parents, therapists, schools, and governments alike. 3. A Real-Time System That could track progress across speech, cognition, behavior, emotion — not in silos, but as a whole child. The world had awareness. But it had no standard. No mirror. No map. Until now. Until a group of mothers, scientists, engineers, and therapists — not from Silicon Valley, but from Hyderabad, India — decided that waiting another century was no longer an option. And what they built… would change everything. III. Bharat's Breakthrough: Born in Hyderabad, Innovated by Mothers, Built for the World AbilityScore®. TherapeuticAI®. TherapySphere®, 7 ReadinessIndexes®, The Voice of the Unheard®. How India quietly built the world's first universal child development model, Pinnacle Global Autism Framework – PGAF. In a world where autism was long observed but never fully understood, the breakthrough didn't come from Harvard or Geneva. It came from Hyderabad. And it didn't begin in laboratories or boardrooms — it began in waiting rooms. Therapy rooms. Living rooms. And in the hearts of mothers who refused to accept silence as destiny. Bharat quietly did what the world failed to do for 144 years: build a unified, measurable, scalable system to decode childhood developmental challenges. And the architects of this revolution weren't just scientists — they were mothers, therapists, engineers, and educators who believed children shouldn't be labelled, they should be understood. The result is a framework that is transforming child development across the globe: AbilityScore® The world's first universal child developmental scoring system. A scientifically patented 0–1000 scale that tracks 344 skills across 79 measurable abilities in domains like speech, behavior, cognition, emotion, sensory processing, and adaptive independence. It is not a diagnosis. It is a developmental mirror — showing parents and professionals exactly where a child is thriving , where support is needed , and where urgent help is critical . TherapeuticAI® Probably the world's first autism-specific artificial intelligence, built not to automate commerce but to personalize childhood therapy. Powered by 19 million+ real therapy sessions, TherapeuticAI analyzes behavior trends, sensory patterns, emotional triggers, and learning velocity in real-time — guiding therapists to adjust session goals with precision, compassion, and effectiveness. TherapySphere® A patented, multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary therapeutic environment designed to integrate Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA, Behavioral Therapy, and Special Education — all under one child-centric roof. TherapySphere® creates a safe, engaging, neurodivergent-inclusive world that meets each child where they are. 7 Pinnacle Readiness Indexes® Seven scientifically calibrated indexes that track a child's journey toward: Speech Readiness Behavior Readiness Motor Readiness Cognition Readiness School Readiness Mainstream Inclusion Readiness Self-Sufficiency Readiness These indexes make progress measurable, transitions predictable, and planning personalized for every child. The Voice of the Unheard® India's most loved child development book — part memoir, part manual, part manifesto — written by Dr. Sreeja Reddy Saripalli and the team at Pinnacle Blooms Network. It converts clinical complexity into emotional clarity, guiding millions of families across India and now, the world. Pinnacle Global Autism Framework (PGAF) The cumulative system — AbilityScore®, TherapeuticAI®, TherapySphere®, ReadinessIndexes®, and more — now formalized into a globally portable, government-scalable, scientifically backed Pinnacle Global Autism Framework (PGAF). Patented in 160+ countries. Ready to be deployed in schools, hospitals, clinics, and communities worldwide. What began in Hyderabad, has now become India's gift to humanity. Born of frustration. Built with love. Backed by science. Proven by 97%+ improvement. Accessible to every parent through 9100 181 181 — India's National Autism Helpline. Now being studied by UNICEF, WHO, NCERT, and global institutions seeking a real model for inclusion. This is not just a Bharat moment. This is a Bharat-to-World movement. And on this Autistic Pride Day 2025, it is no longer the West that sets the standard for autism care. It is India — mother-led, science-driven, universally scalable. It is Pinnacle. IV. 344 Skills. 79 Abilities. 1 Score That Changes Everything Why AbilityScore® is the blood test of the brain — and what it reveals. For over a century, autism and developmental delays were diagnosed based on observations, opinions, and outdated checklists. A parent would hear phrases like: 'Let's wait and see.' 'Boys talk late.' 'This may be behavioral.' And they would walk out of clinics with more questions than answers. But what if developmental care had what physical health has always had — a blood test for the brain? That's exactly what AbilityScore® is. Not a report card. Not a diagnosis. But a scientific mirror into the developing mind of a child. What Is AbilityScore®? AbilityScore® is the world's first patented universal developmental metric, designed to measure a child's real-time profile across 344 skills and 79 core abilities. Instead of labelling children as 'autistic' or 'delayed,' AbilityScore® tracks: Where the child is thriving Where the child needs support Where urgent help is critical And it does so across 9 developmental domains: Domain What It Measures Speech & Communication Naming, requesting, initiating, conversation Receptive Language Responding to name, following instructions Cognition Problem-solving, memory, attention, reasoning Social-Emotional Skills Eye contact, imitation, empathy, group play Behavior Regulation Impulse control, frustration tolerance, transitions Sensory Processing Tolerance to noise, touch, textures, lights Motor Skills Gross and fine motor abilities (walking, drawing, cutting) Adaptive Skills Dressing, feeding, toileting, hygiene, routine following Learning Readiness Classroom skills, imitation, symbolic understanding Each ability is mapped to a zone on a 0–1000 scale: Score Range Zone Score Range Zone Meaning 0–440 Red Zone Developmental delays — critical support needed 441–660 Orange Zone Emerging abilities — progress fragile 661–880 Yellow Zone Moderate strength — functional growth underway 881–1000 Green Zone High competence — near/full independence How It Works in Real Life A mother walks into Pinnacle, unsure whether her child's silence is a phase or a warning. Within hours, AbilityScore® reveals: Name response is at 14%. Auditory memory is red-zoned. Imitation and peer play are nonexistent. What felt like vague confusion now has a precise, personalized map — not just of what's missing, but what's possible. Why It Changes Everything Before AbilityScore®: Therapists relied on subjective notes. Parents relied on emotion and guesswork. Governments had no way to track therapy outcomes. Now: Every therapy session is measurable. Every 15 days, a new score reflects actual progress. Every ability is supported by specific interventions. Just like a blood report shows sodium, sugar, and hemoglobin — AbilityScore® reveals behavioral regulation, speech clarity, emotional modulation, and learning readiness. For the First Time in Human History… We no longer have to guess what's happening in a child's mind. We can: Measure it. Support it. Celebrate it. Not based on age. Not based on labels. But based on ability. AbilityScore® doesn't define children. It decodes them. It doesn't ask 'What's wrong?' It answers 'What's next?' And in a world of noise, that single, structured score is how every unheard child finally begins to be seen. V. What AI Can't Do for Commerce, It Now Does for Children TherapeuticAI® doesn't sell ads. It prevents meltdowns, personalizes therapy, and rewrites childhoods — one session at a time. In the world outside, AI powers billion-dollar ad engines. It tells you what to watch next. What to buy next. Which emotion to trigger so you scroll just a little longer. But what if that same intelligence could be reimagined — Not to monetize your behavior, But to understand your child's? What if AI could see what even seasoned professionals might miss — a subtle withdrawal, a sensory overload, a trigger before the tantrum? That's what TherapeuticAI® does. It is probably the world's first autism-specific artificial intelligence engine, and it was not built in Silicon Valley. It was born inside the therapy centers of India, trained on over 19 million+ 1-on-1 child therapy sessions conducted at Pinnacle Blooms Network. Not Built to Replace Humans. Built to Amplify Them. While commercial AI is built for engagement, TherapeuticAI® is built for empowerment. Commercial AI TherapeuticAI® Maximizes ad revenue Minimizes a child's struggle Trained on user behavior Trained on real therapy session outcomes Targets attention spans Tracks attention windows Predicts purchases Predicts meltdowns Recommends content Recommends skill paths What It Actually Does 1. Real-Time Pattern Recognition Notices micro-changes in mood, attention, avoidance, or stress Recognizes early signs of regression — before humans do 2. Session-by-Session Personalization Adjusts therapy intensity based on AbilityScore® zone Introduces calming, speech-building, or imitation tasks based on real-time readiness 3. Intelligent Goal Setting Suggests SMART goals for therapists each day Reduces over-stimulation by balancing sensory input Prevents therapy fatigue by sequencing developmental tasks precisely 4. Parent-Inclusive Calibration Syncs with family-reported observations Reinforces therapy routines at home with scientifically backed prompts Case in Point: Aarav's Hidden Meltdown Pattern Aarav, a 4-year-old child in therapy, was improving in speech — his output increased by 38%. Everyone was celebrating. But TherapeuticAI® noticed something no one else did. 'Meltdowns up by 27%. Most occur after high-verbal sessions.' The cause? Sensory fatigue from expressive demands. The adjustment? More play-based therapy. Added visual storytelling. Scheduled rest between speech drills. Result: Speech continued improving. Meltdowns dropped 73% in just 4 weeks. Not magic. Machine-guided mindfulness. The Only AI the World's Children Truly Needed This is not automation. This is illumination. TherapeuticAI® doesn't work in marketing funnels. It works in therapy rooms. It doesn't chase engagement. It enables engagement — between a child and their own potential. And it's already proving results that most therapy systems can only hope for: 19M+ therapy sessions optimized 97%+ proven improvement Used across 70+ centers in India Aligned with AbilityScore® for measurable milestones Built Not for Profit. But for the Child Who Cannot Yet Speak. While the world built AI to predict your next click… India built AI to predict your child's next need. While other engines sell shoes and subscriptions… TherapeuticAI® gives therapists a roadmap to rescue futures. It is not a tech marvel. It is a moral shift. The kind that doesn't just power a platform — It powers a generation. VI. Real Pride. Real Families. Real Change True stories of transformation from Rajahmundry, Warangal, Hyderabad, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Delhi, Bengaluru. Behind every AbilityScore®, behind every algorithm inside TherapeuticAI®, there is a child. A mother. A struggle. A silence. A breakthrough. Autistic Pride isn't just a global movement. It is a personal milestone — lived in homes, echoed in therapy rooms, whispered in prayers, shouted in joy. And nowhere is this truer than across the cities and towns where Pinnacle Blooms Network has rewritten the stories of families. Rajahmundry – 'I thought he'd never speak. Now, he doesn't stop.' At age 3, Aditya hadn't uttered a word. He didn't respond to his name, didn't wave goodbye, and lined up toys for hours. Schools turned him away. Doctors offered diagnoses, but no direction. At Pinnacle Rajahmundry, his AbilityScore®: 363 — deep in the Red Zone. Within 21 months, guided by TherapeuticAI®, his score soared to 723. He began: Naming family members Asking for toys Saying 'No therapy today' — and smiling about it. His mother's words say it all: 'He talks to birds. He talks to the fridge. He talks to us. Our home has changed forever.' Warangal – 'I was told my son had no future. They were wrong.' Aarush was 3 when his mother was told by a hospital: 'He's not fit for classroom learning. We suggest a special home environment.' But she didn't give up. She called 9100 181 181. Pinnacle Warangal saw more than his meltdowns — they saw potential buried beneath sensory overload. His AbilityScore®: 221. 28 months later: Score: 661+ Verbal. Toilet trained. Emotionally expressive. Ready for school. 'This isn't recovery,' his mother said. 'This is rediscovery.' Hyderabad – 'He said Amma. For the first time. After 912 days.' At Pinnacle North Hyderabad, Rohit's journey stunned even seasoned therapists. Diagnosed late. Delayed across domains. Minimal name response. His AbilityScore®: 368 After fifteen months: Began eye contact Imitated play Whispered 'Amma' into his mother's eyes His score? 672 — Green Zone. His family? Reunited through words. Kakinada – 'Our twins smiled together — for the first time.' Aarav and Aadhya, both 2, were silent. No pointing. No eye contact. No play. Everyone said: 'They're twins, it'll come.' But Pinnacle Kakinada said: Let's measure, not assume. AbilityScore® on Day 1: TherapeuticAI® built two completely different plans. Because no two children are the same — not even twins. 14 months later: Aarav: 674 Aadhya: 689 And that laughter? It came back. Doubled. Vijayawada – 'He stopped saying 'Dada.' Then stopped speaking altogether.' Siddhu was 18 months when he lost speech. Doctors said wait. Family said pray. Pinnacle said assess. His Receptive Language flagged Red Zone — he wasn't ignoring them, he wasn't understanding them. 6 months of tailored therapy later: Name response improved by 80% 150+ words understood 30 spoken His mother says: 'He came back to us. But stronger.' Delhi – 'He pointed to a video and said, 'Again.' That was our again.' Arhan from South Delhi had seen everything — from private speech therapy to holistic diets. ₹3.2 lakhs spent. No clear plan. No clarity. Until Pinnacle South Extension stepped in. AbilityScore®: 274 Meltdowns. Disengagement. Non-verbal. 15 months later: Score: 711 Asks for snacks Hugs his parents Speaks in short sentences School-ready 'We didn't need more opinions. We needed this system.' Bengaluru – 'We were on our 5th diagnosis. Then we found Pinnacle.' Arnav's father is a tech lead at a global firm. Logical. Analytical. He didn't just want hope. He wanted accuracy. Pinnacle Jayanagar delivered both. AbilityScore®: 312 Red Zone in six domains. 25 months later: 774 — Yellow-Green. From silence to social play. From tantrums to time-outs. From mystery to map. These are outcomes. Not miracles. Models. And every story begins with one call: 9100 181 181 One assessment: AbilityScore® One child… being truly seen, heard, understood. VII. India as the Vishwa Guru of Child Empowerment Patented in 160+ countries. Submitted to UNICEF. Being adopted in schools, clinics, and hearts. Filed under India's DPIIT and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Patent Reference No: [202541057215, 202441016027, 202541014547, 202541049714] For decades, India looked outward — importing research, therapies, and systems from the West. We borrowed diagnostic labels, development checklists, and therapeutic philosophies shaped for different contexts, different children, different societies. But something has changed. Today, Bharat is not importing solutions. It is exporting standards. And not just philosophical ones — measurable, patented, portable systems. Pinnacle Global Autism Framework (PGAF): Built in Bharat, Adopted by the World The Pinnacle Global Autism Framework (PGAF) — comprising AbilityScore®, TherapeuticAI®, TherapySphere®, and the 7 Readiness Indexes® — is now: Patented across 160+ countries Aligned with UNICEF, NCERT, MoWCD, WHO priorities Cited in international neurodevelopment conferences Recognized by India's DPIIT and global innovation directories Actively under consideration for public health scaling in developing nations This is not just theory exported. This is therapy proven, validated, and ready to scale. From Panchayat to Parliament. From Parent to Policy. School s across India are now using AbilityScore® to assess school readiness — replacing subjective school rejection with scientific inclusion. s across India are now using AbilityScore® to assess school readiness — replacing subjective school rejection with scientific inclusion. Pediatricians are moving from 'wait and see' to 'test and act' — replacing blind referrals with real developmental insight. are moving from 'wait and see' to 'test and act' — replacing blind referrals with real developmental insight. Governments are exploring PGAF for ASHA and Anganwadi integration — ensuring early red-flag detection in even the most rural pockets. are exploring PGAF for ASHA and Anganwadi integration — ensuring early red-flag detection in even the most rural pockets. Parents are becoming informed decision-makers — not spectators in their child's journey, but co-navigators. What Makes India's Framework Different? Global Gap Bharat's Contribution No standard scoring system AbilityScore® — 344 skills. 79 abilities. 0–1000 scale Inconsistent therapy outcomes 97%+ measurable improvement from 19M+ sessions Fragmented therapy environments TherapySphere® — speech, OT, ABA, special ed, unified No global AI for autism TherapeuticAI® — the first autism-specific AI engine Parents excluded from data tracking Parent dashboards + home program integration This is India as Vishwa Guru — not just in spirit, but in systems. The World Is Now Listening Ministries from Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America are studying the PGAF model. Organizations like Save the Children, Early Intervention Trusts, and Education For All forums are requesting implementation protocols. Global pediatric alliances are in talks for white-labeled deployment in under-resourced countries — where early detection is the difference between school and segregation. As One UNICEF Officer Said: 'India has not just built a better therapy system. India has built the world's first measurable childhood empowerment model.' • Former Neurodevelopmental Advisor, notes: 'A scoring system like AbilityScore® could become the global benchmark in early intervention — because it's both measurable and human-first.' • Child Psychology Research Chair says: 'TherapeuticAI® represents an ethical evolution in AI — child-specific, data-driven, and truly child-centric.' Bharat Did Not Wait to Be Invited to the Global Table. It built the table. And then offered a seat to every child, in every language, with every ability — starting with a mirror, a map, and the courage to believe: 'Our children are not broken. Our systems are.' And now, with Pinnacle, that system is being rebuilt — from Hyderabad, for the world. VIII. What Autistic Pride Really Means Not fixing children. Understanding them. Supporting them. Celebrating who they are — with science and soul. There was a time — not long ago — when Autistic Pride Day was a whispered protest. A day to say: 'We are not broken.' A day to push back against a world that tried to 'fix' what it did not understand. A day to remind society that difference is not deficiency. But today, in 2025, something deeper has emerged. Autistic Pride is no longer a declaration against shame. It is a celebration of truth — seen, measured, supported, and shared. And at the heart of that shift is one powerful idea: 'Children don't need fixing. They need understanding.' Understanding, Not Assuming Thanks to AbilityScore®, we no longer ask: 'Why is he screaming?' We ask: 'Is his sensory regulation in Red Zone?' We no longer assume: 'She's ignoring us.' We assess: 'Is her receptive language underdeveloped?' We no longer say: 'He doesn't want to play.' We understand: 'He hasn't yet developed imitation and joint attention.' Autistic Pride means we finally have the tools to see beyond behavior and into ability. Support, Not Stigma When a child is supported instead of shamed: Screaming becomes self-expression. Repetition becomes pattern mastery. Silence becomes a signal — not an absence. When a parent is empowered instead of judged: They move from panic to planning. From isolation to community. From doubt to data. With TherapeuticAI®, that support is not general — it's goal-specific, behavior-sensitive, progress-tracked. Autistic Pride means we support children on their terms, in their zones, with their rhythms. Celebration, Not Comparison Autistic children are not behind. They are on a different timeline. They are not slow. They are specific. They are not broken. They are brilliant — just not in standardized ways. And now, with the Pinnacle system, their brilliance is no longer invisible. It's measurable, trackable, celebrated. When a child moves from 342 to 623 on AbilityScore®, When a mother hears 'Amma' after 912 days of silence, When a father sees his child hug back for the first time — That is pride. That is autism celebrated with science. That is the soul of this movement. The Pinnacle Ethos: From Shame to Strategy Every therapy session is not about catching up. It's about catching light. In the child. In the family. In the future they were told to lower expectations for. Autistic Pride means raising expectations — not by pressure, but by possibility. So What Does Autistic Pride Really Mean in 2025? It means no child is invisible anymore. It means parents no longer live in confusion. It means India is no longer watching from the sidelines. It is leading. And it means this: Autistic Pride isn't about trying to be 'normal.' It's about realizing that 'normal' was never the goal. The goal was always to be understood. Empowered. Free. And now, we are finally getting there. Together. IX. This Is Not Just a FREE Autism Helpline. It's a Lifeline 9100 181 181 – India's new 108 for child developmental health. Available in 133+ languages. Every movement needs a moment. Every system needs a symbol. Every revolution needs a number that can be dialed — by anyone, from anywhere — and change a life. For developmental delays, autism concerns, speech regression, or sensory red flags… That number is 9100181181. India's 108 for Neurodevelopment If 108 is the number you dial when your child can't breathe, 9100181181 is the number you call when your child can't speak, respond, regulate, or connect. It's not just a phone line. It's a bridge — between fear and clarity, silence and support, isolation and inclusion. And it's free, available in 16+ languages, and run by trained neurodevelopmental professionals — not bots, not IVRs, not waitlists. What Happens When You Call? Within minutes, you receive: A real human conversation A free AbilityScore® screening appointment Step-by-step red-flag detection A mapped-out plan to your nearest Pinnacle Center Seamless therapist/psychologist coordination SEVA eligibility if financially underprivileged Parent mentorship, not just child scheduling Whether you're in Hyderabad or Hampi, Delhi or Dindigul, Khammam or Kolkata — this helpline speaks your language, understands your context, and gets you real help. The Data Behind the Dial Tens of thousands of calls handled every month Support available in English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and more and more Most callers are parents with children aged 1.5 to 6 — confused, concerned, and misdirected until now 70% of families report they'd been told to 'wait and see' before calling The helpline changes that. It says: Don't wait. Understand. As One Father from Vizag Put It: 'I was told therapy centers were only in big cities. Then I called this number. Within 48 hours, my son was screened, and my wife was crying — not from fear, but from finally feeling heard.' Why This Helpline Works When Others Don't Old Helpline Models 9100181181 at Pinnacle Generic, under-informed staff Neuro-trained counselors Language limitations 16+ language support Long waitlists or no follow-up Real appointments in <72 hours Parent-blaming tone Parent-first, dignity-driven approach No linkage to systems Integrated with AbilityScore®, TherapySphere®, and national therapists network This is not a call center. This is a movement in motion — one ring at a time. A New Beginning — Just One Call Away In a country of 90+ crore families, where awareness is rising but access is lagging — this number isn't a feature. It's a foundation. Because Pinnacle didn't just build centers. It built a system that starts with a call and ends with a changed life. 9100 181 181 is not just a helpline. It is India's lifeline to dignity, data, and developmental justice. And it's ringing with hope, science, and the belief that every child deserves to be heard — no matter where they're born, or what language their mind speaks. X. The World Is Watching. What Will You Do? A call to parents, doctors, ministries, educators, and global allies to adopt the model that works. For 144 years, autism was observed. Diagnosed. Debated. Delayed. In 2025, it is finally understood. Measured. Empowered. The question is no longer: 'Is change possible?' The question is: 'Will we act on what we now know?' To Ministries of Health & Education Adopt the Pinnacle Global Autism Framework (PGAF) into national policy. Use AbilityScore® as the gold standard for early screening. Equip Anganwadi workers, ASHA health teams, and school inclusion coordinators with tools that work — not just papers that preach. Don't wait for another white paper. Become the model the world studies. To Pediatricians & Clinicians Move from referrals based on 'suspicions' to interventions based on structured data. Replace 'Let's wait' with 'Let's measure.' Your credibility will not be in what you observe — but in what you act upon early. To Schools, Educators, and Administrators Stop excluding children based on subjectivity. Start preparing your classrooms based on their Readiness Indexes. Every child has potential. AbilityScore® simply shows you where it's ready to emerge. To Parents You are not imagining it. You are not overreacting. You are not alone. Call 9100 181 181. Book your child's AbilityScore®. Understand. Plan. Act. Pride begins with clarity. To the Global Community If we can build AI to write novels and design shoes, we can certainly build systems that give voice to every child's inner world. Pinnacle has done it. India has proven it. The rest of the world must now choose: Will you keep waiting for the perfect model from the West? Or will you adopt the proven one from the East — from Bharat, the new Vishwa Guru of child development? The mirror has been built. The map is ready. What will you do with it? XI. Final Thought: If Einstein Had Therapy… A child is not a label. They are a future waiting to be heard. And now, with Pinnacle, they finally can be. He didn't speak until 4. Teachers called him 'slow.' His parents were told he might never thrive in a typical school. That child's name? Albert Einstein. Today, we know he wasn't broken. He was brilliant — just not measured correctly. What if he had AbilityScore®? What if his parents had access to TherapeuticAI®? What if someone, somewhere, had looked past his silence and seen his signal? Would the world have understood him sooner? Would he have suffered less? Would others like him have been seen sooner too? Now ask yourself: What if your child is the next Einstein? What if they are the next Mozart, Temple Grandin, da Vinci, or Greta? What if the child you think is 'not responding'… is actually processing differently? What if they're not delayed… but developing in their own design? The truth is: You don't have to wonder anymore. You don't have to wait for history to judge. You don't have to rely on luck, labels, or late realizations. Because now, Pinnacle exists. 344 Skills. 79 Abilities. 1 Score. Backed by AI. Built with mothers. Powered by India. Your child is not a diagnosis. They are a dream — already happening. Let the world understand them now. Let Autistic Pride Day 2025 be the turning point — for your family, your country, your world. And let history say: 'This is when the world didn't just raise awareness — it raised standards.' Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work
Just 5pc of people with learning disabilities are currently in work In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities Aurora Foxes students serving Afternoon Tea for Hilton's A Meal to Change Minds event A lack of visible role models in the workplace – particularly in customer-facing roles – is a major barrier to seeking employment for adults with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome and Autism, new research has revealed. In the UK, there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities, but only 5% are currently employed. Hilton's survey of more than 500 people with learning disabilities and their carers found that 79% believe businesses should do more to promote job opportunities and the benefits of inclusive hiring. Just 16% of respondents who are in the workforce said they have a role model with a similar condition to connect with and learn from. The study, released to mark Learning Disability Week, highlights the importance of hiring, supporting and celebrating employees with learning disabilities, particularly in customer facing service roles across sectors such as hospitality and retail. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: 'Representation matters – seeing people like yourself succeed at work builds confidence and opens doors to career opportunity. Our team members with learning disabilities contribute across a wide range of roles, from front-of-house positions like reception and concierge to behind-the-scenes work in kitchens, housekeeping, and revenue management. They bring unique strengths and a strong commitment that enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience. By providing the right support and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, we empower individuals to reach their full potential and demonstrate that inclusion is a powerful driver of success in hospitality.' Article continues below Sam Innes, Food and Beverage Assistant, The Waldorf Hilton, London added: 'Finding work was really difficult for me, so when I started my role at Hilton, it was such a relief. I've always wanted to work and be around people, and I knew a hotel would be the perfect place to do that. Having a job helps people with learning disabilities feel valued and shows others what we can achieve when given the chance. It's boosted my confidence and helped me become more independent. Now, I want to be a role model and inspire others to believe that they can do it too.' This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hilton's partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel in Minehead that supports young people with learning disabilities. Over the past decade, the collaboration has provided 89 work placements, with 15 former students currently employed in roles with Hilton. A long-standing partnership with the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) has also enabled 52 work placements, with almost 40 team members currently working at Hilton through the DSA's WorkFit programme. To celebrate the valuable contributions of people with learning disabilities in the workforce, Hilton opened a pop-up tearoom at The Waldorf Hilton, London, on 16 June. The event featured a special performance from blind, autistic musical savant Derek Paravicini. Article continues below The tearoom gave Aurora Foxes students real-world experience preparing and serving afternoon tea, including a signature two-tone macaroon created especially for the event. The macaroon, inspired by vintage sweet-shop flavours and Aurora Foxes' college colours, was co-created by six students and their chef tutor alongside Executive Head Chef Malcolm Camilleri. Ahead of the launch, students also visited the hotel to help design the menu and service, while leaders from the hotel provided training at Aurora Foxes – strengthening this two-way partnership. Additional public sittings will take place on 2 July at 12 noon, 2:30pm, and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at £49.50 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book, contact:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
TLI Executive Director Featured in Medical Economics: New Article Highlights Innovations In Autism Care Models
MCLEAN, Va., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI) proudly announces the publication of a new article by Executive Director Shawn Murphy in Medical Economics, titled "Autism research breakthroughs spawn innovative pediatric medical and behavioral care models." The article shines a spotlight on research-backed, integrated medical approaches that are transforming medical outcomes for autistic people—from care models to clinical trials. In the article, Murphy outlines how the rise in autism diagnoses, the high rates of medical complexity among autistic people and the shortage of autism specialists are driving the urgent need for new approaches that are both inclusive and innovative. The article draws on the expertise of clinicians like Dr. Deepa Menon, Assistant Medical Director for the Center for Autism Services, Science & Innovation (CASSI) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Menon emphasizes the importance of investigating physiological causes behind behavioral changes in autistic patients, underscoring how accurate medical assessments can dramatically improve quality of life. "Traditional models simply cannot meet the volume and complexity of today's autism care demands," said Murphy. "We're seeing a new generation of solutions emerge—models that are integrated, evidence-based, and truly patient-centered." The article highlights some cutting-edge examples - Zest Pediatrics, Cortica, ECHO Autism and Gut Brain Axis Therapeutics - all of which reinforce the importance and timely nature of TLI's Autism Knowledge Gateway (AKG) initiative, improving basic medical care for autistic people. AKG: Transforming Autism Care The AKG is a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled library and collaboration hub providing clinicians, caregivers, and researchers access to thousands of peer-reviewed research articles on autism and its many comorbid conditions. "Clinicians are under pressure, and time is short," Murphy notes. "That's why we built the Autism Knowledge Gateway—to remove the knowledge barriers that delay or prevent effective treatment. We are delivering a solution that makes trusted, medically validated information actionable at the point of care." The AKG complements these advances by putting life-saving knowledge directly in the hands of physicians and families. More than a library, the platform offers: Human-written and AI-powered summaries of research Easy-to-navigate categorization across 20+ autism-related topics Tools for private discussion, peer collaboration, and community feedback A mission to reduce suffering through better access to medical care Uniting the Autism Community Around Better Basic Healthcare In addition to working with doctors and scientists to develop the first version of the platform, the AKG team has been busy engaging with a range of autism advocacy groups to promote the ubiquitous importance of better healthcare. Since launching in November 2024, the AKG team has engaged with the ARC, Autism Speaks, Documenting Hope, ECHO Autism, IFM, MAPs and TACA and continues to bring the diverse community together to ensure healthcare is a priority. About the Autism Knowledge Gateway TLI launched the AKG to bridge the gap between what we know and what we do in autism care. The platform is currently available through an open access pilot program running through 2025. TLI invites healthcare professionals, caregivers, and researchers to join the pilot and help shape the future of autism healthcare. To read the full Medical Economics article, visit: Join the MovementHelp us unite all corners of the autism community around what is already known about effective medical care. Sign up for the AKG Pilot Program Share the Article Support Our Mission About TLI The Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI) is a not-for-profit organization that works at the nexus of science, technology and public health, innovating for superior prevention, treatment and outcomes for those facing life-altering medical helps patients across the country and around the world find better healthcare outcomes. Visit and follow us on LinkedIn. Contact Informationinfo@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
