Kevin Healey BCAv

Thank you for this @Declaracion #Autism

Shocking and barbaric ITV News' findings prompt government 'crackdown' on families being cut off from disabled loved ones The government has promised to “crack down” on care companies that ban families from visiting their vulnerable relatives, following an ITV News Care Minister Stephen Kinnock told ITV News families will “no longer be cut off from their loved ones” and promised to improve visitation rights and end blanket bans on contact. It follows an ITV News investigation which found hundreds of families claiming they have been restricted or banned by care companies and councils from seeing loved ones with learning disabilities, after complaining about the quality of care. Glad ITV have covered this @DanielHewittITV

@bjdnet sent you a dm

Bereaved families 'disrespected' after learning disabled deaths recorded in error by official review | @DanielHewittITV reports itv.com/news/2026-01-2…

Shocking in the 21st century The new LeDeR has found that the initial review understated the number of learning disabled people whose deaths were avoidable, rising from 38.8% to 40.2%. This is double the amount of avoidable deaths compared to the general population. One in four deaths of people with severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities between 2021-2023 were treatable, meaning they would have lived if they had received better care. That’s compared to 1 in 13 treatable deaths in the general population. The average age at which a learning disabled person dies remains unchanged between the two reports, at 62.5. The average age in the general population is 82. itv.com/news/2026-01-2…

Apparently autism now comes with a standard accessory pack… Headphones ✔️ Fidget ✔️ One “look” ✔️ Except… it doesn’t. Autism is a spectrum — which means difference is the point. Different people, different strengths, different challenges, different support needs. Representation matters, absolutely. But no single doll (or idea) can represent millions of autistic people. Some of us are loud. Some of us are quiet. Some need lots of support. Some don’t. Some want to be visible. Some want to blend in. All autistic people are valid — because we are not the same. Autism isn’t a brand. It’s people. And people don’t come in one box.

I’m really pleased to share that I’ve accepted an invitation to become a Patron / Ambassador for Lifeworks North Staffs. As an Ambassador for ADHD UK, and through many years of autism and ADHD advocacy, I’ve seen first-hand how vital specialist, local support is for individuals and carers. Lifeworks supports over 900 clients and 400 carers across North Staffordshire, providing advocacy, befriending, outreach, life coaching, and carer support — services that often don’t exist elsewhere. I’m proud to support the team and help raise the profile of the incredible work they do.

If you missed it you ca listen on BBC iplayer at 1:51:36 into the program I’m talking today about Mattel’s Barbie doll #autismawareness #autism bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p… #autism #autistic #barbie #autismbarbie

Il try and get this in on the interview you can listen on the BBC iplayer approx time 11:50 after the Dolly Parton song they played - BBC radio Stoke For me, true inclusivity wouldn’t be about one “autistic” doll at all. Autism is a spectrum, so no single model can represent it. A more inclusive approach would have been: • several dolls with different personalities, support needs and communication styles • optional accessories rather than a fixed “autism kit” • stories or packaging that explain autism doesn’t have one look • showing neurodivergent traits across the range, not just in one labelled doll That way, children could see difference without autism being reduced to a checklist. Representation matters — but so does how it’s done. #Barbie #autism

I will be on BBC Radio Stoke at 11:45 am today talking about the new Barbie doll #autism #autistic #barbie

A new Barbie doll that’s described as autistic. In my view, I support genuine representation — but this misses the mark. Autism can’t be summed up with a couple of props. Reducing it to noise-cancelling headphones and a fidget spinner risks reinforcing narrow stereotypes rather than challenging them. Inclusion should be about listening to autistic people — not packaging us. .#autism #autistic

Sometimes it’s impossible to stay silent. A young woman I know has lost both her parents, and now the home she shared with them. She’s autistic and already carrying more grief than anyone should. Watching her struggle is truly heartbreaking. Out of respect, please don’t speculate or name anyone — this is about compassion, not blame. I’ve turned comments off on this post il see how I can help but I feel helpless in helping this autistic woman #autism #autistic

@Jonny_Wilkes what a great show - 5 star ⭐ performance 🎭 all the cast the Regent theatre 🎭 #stoke #stokeontrent

@Jonny_Wilkes we on front row! Don’t pick on me pick on the one with red top 😂 hope your well looking forward too it

@ATGTICKETS please check DM

@kylieminogue Congratulations ❤️ can I have a follow please 🙏

Oh Lovers … this one’s for you. I’m speechless …. We did it!! Christmas number 1!! Thank you thank you thank you 😭❤️

The new Independent ADHD Taskforce report highlights how far we still have to go on recognition, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in England. I’ve reached out to arrange a meeting so we can discuss how to move forward. Report link: england.nhs.uk/long-read/repo… #ADHD #Autism

@wesstreeting @bbclaurak The new Independent ADHD Taskforce report highlights how far we still have to go on recognition, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in England. I’ve reached out to arrange a meeting so we can discuss how to move forward. Report link: england.nhs.uk/long-read/repo…

Sometimes I don’t get things right and I’m not afraid to say so. When @bbclaurak asked me a question about mental health ‘overdiagnosis’ my answer was poor - and our evidence base on mental health, autism and ADHD is, too. We’ll put this right 👇🏻 theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Any journalist help me arrange a meeting with the Rt. Hon Health sec? About the national crisis Autism ADHD I’m calling on Wes Streeting to meet with me urgently. The situation facing people with Autism and ADHD has become a national crisis, and it can’t be ignored any longer. The rise in diagnoses isn’t “overdiagnosis” — it’s increased awareness and finally understanding people’s needs. But there is still no clear national care pathway, unlike many other health conditions. Families are left waiting years for assessment and even longer for support. Autism and ADHD deserve proper recognition, proper support, and a proper care pathway. It’s time for action. I’m requesting a meeting to discuss how we fix this now. @SkyNews @bbclaurak @BBCNews @itvnews @Channel4News @BBCBreakfast @BBCPolitics #Autism #ADHD #journorequests

I’m calling on Wes Streeting to meet with me urgently. The situation facing people with Autism and ADHD has become a national crisis, and it can’t be ignored any longer. The rise in diagnoses isn’t “overdiagnosis” — it’s increased awareness and finally understanding people’s needs. But there is still no clear national care pathway, unlike many other health conditions. Families are left waiting years for assessment and even longer for support. Autism and ADHD deserve proper recognition, proper support, and a proper care pathway. It’s time for action. I’m requesting a meeting to discuss how we fix this now.

@wesstreeting @bbclaurak “Wes Streeting, the rise in diagnoses reflects improved awareness, not an epidemic of overdiagnosis. What’s urgently needed is meaningful support, including a clear national care pathway for autism.” #Autism #ADHD