9 per cent of children up to age 21 in foster care in the U.S. had intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, based on 2016 data published in JAMA Pediatrics this month. Youth with autism and intellectual disability are 2 to 5 times more likely to be in care vs. non-disabled peers. Black youth and females are at greatest risk.

New Zealander children from birth to age 14 with intellectual disability are over 7 times more likely to be in foster care vs. non-disabled children, according to a recent report.

Brain wave-powered tech allows Canadian kids 'trapped in their bodies' to play The Toronto Star

Arizona moms of children with disability can now get paid as full-time caregivers 12news.com

A hospital is suing to move a quadriplegic 18-year-old to a nursing home. She says no NPR

Scientists find genetic signature of Down syndrome in ancient bones The New York Times

New 'smart' supportive home opens in Montreal to help young people with intellectual disabilities Global News

Families of disabled people tell BBC of battle for NHS care support BBC

7-year-old with autism goes missing from Ontario school wearing just a t-shirt in January CP-24

FDA expected to reissue ban on shock devices for those with disability Disability Scoop

See Holland Bloorview's Events listing and click on the month for more details.

FEBRUARY 28

The bullied, the bully and the bystander with guest speaker Barbara Coloroso. What bullying is, what to do as parents, and how to work with your school. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On Zoom. Register here

MARCH 6

Community Connect with South Asian Autism Awareness Centre. Learn about how autism is perceived in different cultures, barriers families may face, and how to navigate them.

10:30 a.m. to 12 noon

On Zoom. Register here

Ethan Brodofski, who has autism and ADHD, has donated 70 winter hats he made to a homeless encampment in Brockville, Ont. He was concerned when he noticed many people there didn't have hats.

Put this on your calendar for release in September. 'A jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that features families at play, each with a family member who has a disability.' Ages 3-7. One of the authors, Jessica Slice, is a BLOOM contributor.

A graphic novel written and illustrated by the mother of an autistic child who struggled to go to school. 'I turned every page with a nod. It is sadly a totally true-to-life experience for many. Such an important book for families but also education and social care professionals, providing an insight into a slice of life they never imagined.' Cathy Wassell, CEO of Autistic Girls Network