Getting help with autism
Local advice resources
Autism affects everyone differently. This page explains what autism is and links to support and advice for children, young people and families in Swindon.
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis to get support. Early advice can help improve a child or young person’s quality of life and support day-to-day needs.
Understanding autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that usually appears in early childhood. It can affect social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation.
Autism is a spectrum condition. This means it affects people in different ways and to different degrees.
Living with autism is different for every person. If you have a diagnosis, or care for someone who does, you may face challenges as you adjust. The resources on this page may help you understand autism and manage some of the challenges it can bring to family life.
If a child, young person or family is experiencing chronic, fluctuating or severe difficulties, they may benefit from the right advice while they are managing their own health or recovering, without needing extra help.
Getting support early
Getting the right support early can help improve a child or young person’s quality of life. Support and advice are available before diagnosis and can help with some of the day-to-day difficulties a child may experience.
The resources below give general information about autism and may help you understand and cope with some of the difficulties linked to the condition.
Top tips for parents
These tips were created by parents of Swindon children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Read the patient information following diagnosis of autism (PDF). You should have received this from the paediatrician after diagnosis. It includes links to useful local and national websites to help you understand your child’s diagnosis.
Join an online support group
- The SEND Room is a Facebook support group for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25 in Swindon with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Swindon SEND Families Voice is a group of volunteer parents and carers working together to improve services for children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs in Swindon.
- Support Group for Parents (Swindon Autism and ADHD) is for parents and carers of children with ADHD conditions. You can ask questions, get support from others in a similar position, and share challenges or achievements.
Attend a peer support group
- Branches is a local support group for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25 with any special educational need or disability.
- STEP (Swindon) is a registered charity that provides a safe and supportive environment for children and young people aged 7 to 18.
Get information and advice
- Contact Swindon SEND Information, Advice and Support Service. They provide information, advice and support about education, health and social care for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities, and for their parents or carers.
- Contact Aiming High for advice about accessible activities, social groups, short breaks and respite.
- Take a look at the SEND Summer Activities News Splash for information about summer activities and clubs for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Swindon.
- Visit the Speech and Language Therapy pages for examples of how to engage with and support children and young people, and help them understand what is happening around them.
Useful resources
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