NewsFeed

April 9, 2025

India Sees Surge in Autism Diagnoses Amid Awareness Rise

The rising autism diagnosis rates in India are causing concern, with a significant increase in cases reported over the past few years. Dr. Shruti Mishra, a developmental and behavioural paediatrician at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, attributes this trend to increased awareness and better diagnostic tools. However, she also notes that early detection is crucial to provide effective support and interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-well-being/rising-autism-diagnosis-rates-in-india-causes-and-implications-1871894

April 9, 2025

Meta Cracks Down on Under-16 Instagram Live Streams

Meta has announced new features to provide parents with "peace of mind" about their children's social media use on Instagram. The company plans to introduce restrictions on Instagram Live for users under 16, requiring parental permission before they can go live. Additionally, images sent to a Teen Account via DM suspected of containing nudity will be blurred and can only be modified or turned off with parental consent.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/meta-teen-account-facebook-messenger-under-16/46c37dd7-0c94-4ea3-827b-f2883c895ae9

April 9, 2025

Meta's Safety Features Fall Short for Teens

Meta has introduced new safety features on Instagram for parents, allowing them to view recent messages from their child, set daily time limits, and block teens during specific times. The company claims 97% of teens aged 13-15 have used these restrictions since they were added last year, with 94% of parents finding them helpful. However, online safety groups and lawmakers have expressed concerns that the upgrades are inadequate, citing a lack of transparency and a focus on profits over mental health. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for a "warning label" on social media apps to raise awareness about potential mental health risks, while state attorneys general have sued Meta over its business model, which they claim prioritizes addiction over children's well-being.

https://nypost.com/2025/04/08/lifestyle/meta-adds-new-age-based-restrictions-to-facebook-messenger-to-curb-inappropriate-content/

April 9, 2025

Thai Truong's Compassionate Approach to Open-Air Addiction

The police department has decided to implement a new approach to manage open-air drug use in the city, following recent community concerns. Chief Thai Truong announced that more officers will patrol on foot, paired with mental health experts and practicing nurses, to engage with people using drugs and connect them to resources. The new strategy focuses on compassionate methods rather than enforcement and arrest, aiming to address addiction in a long-term way.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11121235/london-police-open-drug-use/

April 9, 2025

Microsoft Rolls Out Free AI Assistant Copilot Globally

Microsoft has confirmed that its Copilot in Azure is now a fully supported and generally available tool, made available to all users at no additional cost. The AI-powered assistant has been improved based on customer feedback, with over 11 months of public preview under its belt, garnering millions of interactions. Since its introduction, hundreds of thousands of users have submitted prompts, showcasing the eagerness for the product. Microsoft's developers alone have reportedly saved over 30,000 hours every month using Copilot to enhance productivity.

https://www.techradar.com/pro/copilot-in-azure-reaches-general-availability

April 8, 2025

Dr Claire Taylor Reveals Hidden Autism Signs on Channel 5

NHS GP Dr Claire Taylor has revealed lesser-known signs of autism in a new Channel 5 documentary. She identifies three key indicators: difficulty with social communication and interaction, extreme sensitivity to stimuli such as light and sound, and rigid and repetitive behaviours. Autistic individuals may experience exhaustion from masking their emotions, struggle to control facial expressions and tone, and be overwhelmed by sensory inputs like sounds and smells. Dr Taylor advises that these symptoms can vary in intensity and impact, with some people experiencing heightened perceptual capacity, making them more sensitive to noises and stimuli.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14583401/Doctor-explains-little-known-habit-called-stimming-sign-youre-autistic.html

April 8, 2025

Epstein's Upper East Side Abuse Alleged in Lawsuit

Wigdor LLC is representing Jane Doe, who alleges she was abused by Jeffrey Epstein at his Upper East Side townhouse in 2002. The lawsuit claims Jane Doe, then 16 and autistic, was handed over to convicted pedophile Epstein by Leon Black, former CEO of Apollo Global Management, as part of a "hand off".

https://nypost.com/2025/04/07/business/law-firm-in-sexual-assault-suit-against-billionaire-leon-black-wants-to-exit-case-court-records/

April 8, 2025

JD Vance Honors Mother's 10-Year Sobriety Milestone

JD Vance's mother, Beverly Aikins, has overcome a decade-long struggle with addiction, including Vicodin and heroin, which led to her losing her nursing license and job. However, after working as a nurse, she successfully regained her license and now helps others at a substance abuse treatment center. At the White House, JD Vance celebrated his mother's 10-year sobriety milestone in front of their three grandchildren, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, who are now almost 8, 5, and 3 years old.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14580687/jd-vance-white-house-beverly-aikins-sober.html

April 8, 2025

Mickey Rourke's Turbulent Road to Redemption

Mickey Rourke has spoken candidly about his past struggles, including hitting rock bottom financially and physically. He underwent painful operations to rebuild his nose after cartilage was taken from his ear, and has also talked openly about his addiction battles and regret over using steroids and excessive eating for a role in the 2008 film The Wrestler.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14580965/Celebrity-Big-Brother-blows-budget-book-huge-British-comedian-launch-night-spin-Late-Live.html