Autism Support and Resources

Navigating Autism Support in the UK

Living with autism or supporting someone on the spectrum can be a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. We have compiled some resources to help individuals and families navigate this path. Here's a guide to understanding and accessing the support available.

Understanding Autism:

Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning it affects individuals differently. Some may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may live independently. Recognising the diverse needs of autistic individuals is the first step toward finding the right support.

NHS

The NHS provide diagnosis' of autism, which can be accessed by asking your GP for a referral for yourself or a child in your care. Unfortunately wait times vary between NHS trusts, but as of September 2024 there were over 200,000 people waiting for an autism assessment in England.

The NHS provide post-diagnosis support and also offer advice, such as on sleep, sensory processing and adjusting to change, like on the Sheffield Children's hospital website.

Charities

National Autistic Society (NAS)

The National Autistic Society offer resources on topics such as diagnosis, communication, mental health, education, and sensory differences. They provide training and consultancy to help organisations to become more autism-friendly, through their own accreditation scheme. They give a voice to individuals with autism, sharing personal stories and busting stereotypes and stigma, and they connect people through real life events and an online community. They also advocate and campaign for autistic individuals to improve the experiences of those with autism and provide diagnosis services for a cost.

You can learn more about their initiatives at the link.

Local Support Groups

Local support groups can be invaluable for connecting with others who understand your experiences, and area specific services and updates.

The Sheffield Autistic Society is one example of a local support group, working to help autistic individuals in South Yorkshire. Monthly meetups, advice on getting a diagnosis and providing current news and updates are among the services they provide. They also provide their own list on local support services.

There is a directory of other organisations supporting autistic individuals on the NAS website, which can be accessed here.

Local Authorities

Local authorities in the UK play a crucial role in supporting individuals with autism and their families, including providing needs assessments to establish where help is needed.

Councils work to ensure that autistic individuals have access to suitable housing and opportunities to participate in their communities, as well as training and initiatives to increase awareness and understanding of autism.

All local authorities have a 'local offer' which outlines what educational support is available, [see 'Education' below].

If you're looking for specific support in your area, your local council's website or special educational needs advice service can be a great starting point.

Ambitious about Autism

Ambitious about Autism is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting autistic children, young people, and their families. Their services include education services, youth and employment programmes, support networks, campaigning for policy change and providing research and training. You can learn more about their work on their official website.

Online Communities

Online forums and social media groups can be a great way to share experiences and advice. The National Autistic Society, Ambitious about Autism and other organisations host online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

It is important to be mindful of that fact that online groups and forums are a place for people to share personal experiences they are not professional advice.

Employment and Financial Support

Autistic individuals and their families may be eligible for financial assistance, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults. Your local council can provide guidance on applying for these benefits.

Many councils offer programmes to help autistic individuals find and maintain employment, including training and reasonable workplace adjustments.

Education

For children, schools often have Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) who can help create tailored learning plans. For adults, organisations like the NAS offer employment support to help autistic individuals find and thrive in suitable jobs.

All Local Authorities are required to provide a 'Local Offer'. This reveals what support the local authority expects to be available for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and/or disabilities in their area. It must include information about education, health and care provision. Look on your local council's website for more information about what is available in your area.

Podcasts and Blogs

Spectrum Sessions is available on YouTube and Spotify, and is run by National Autism Society Scotland, and aims to provide a 'platform for unfiltered autistic voices, by providing a space for autistic people to share their stories'.

Watch here.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the world of autism support can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Whether through national organisations, local groups, or online communities, there are resources and people ready to help.

If you or someone you know is looking for help, start by exploring the resources mentioned here. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone on the autism spectrum.