Getting help with autism

If your child or young person is autistic, there are local programmes and health services that may help your family. Start with short-term support first. If difficulties are severe or long term, more specialist services may help.

First steps to get help

Short-term, evidence-based treatment from health services may help children, young people and families who are learning to live with autism.

Local support and services

• EarlyBird programme. Support and training for parents, carers and families of children aged five and under. Your child must have an autism diagnosis or an accepted referral to the neurodevelopmental pathway.
• Cygnet Programme. Local parenting support for parents and carers of children and young people aged five to 18 with an autism diagnosis.
• Nurture Programme Plus, and Nurture Programme Plus teens. Sign up by contacting the Swindon Parenting Hub, call 01793 722984.
• Swindon core standards. Read about the standards for special educational needs and disabilities.
• School nursing. Find out what support this service can offer children, young people and families.
• Be U Swindon. More local information and support for children and young people.

Next steps to get help

This support is for children, young people and families with severe or long-term difficulties. It may include longer-term evidence-based treatment, including outpatient and inpatient care.

It can also help if short-term support has not worked, or if difficulties have got worse.

• Swindon Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Find out how to contact the service and get help.