Getting help with autism

Getting support early can improve a child or young person’s quality of life. You can get help and advice before a diagnosis, including support with some day-to-day challenges.

This page brings together general autism information and support for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals.

General information and early support

• All about Autistic Spectrum Disorders introductory booklet. A free download from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.
• Ambitious about Autism. Their Right from the Start parent toolkit gives practical advice if you think your child might be autistic. Their website also has support for children, young people, families and professionals.
• Asperger’s Syndrome Foundation. The foundation promotes awareness and understanding of Asperger’s syndrome. It also aims to support high-quality services and help people take part in community life and be recognised for their strengths and differences.
• Autism Central for parents and carers. This includes articles, learning materials and signposting to local services in England for parents, carers and personal assistants of autistic people.
• Autism Initiatives. This charity provides person-centred services across the UK, including education, residential houses, supported living and outreach services for children and adults.
• Autism Speaks. This organisation is based in the United States. Local support in the UK is not available, but its website offers information and resources for autistic people, families and professionals
• Child Autism UK. They provide an autism helpline for parents and carers. They also offer services to support communication, learning and life skills, and training and a network for Applied Behaviour Analysis professionals working with young children.
• Child Mind Institute. This organisation supports children and families affected by mental health and learning disorders. It has articles and autism resources.
• National Autistic Society. This UK charity supports people with autism, including Asperger’s syndrome, and their families. It offers information, support services and campaigning. Its autism services directory helps you search for local and national services. It also has information about what autism is.
• Patient UK: information on autism. Information about autistic spectrum disorders.
• Special Needs Jungle. Resources, tips, facts and examples to help families.
• Thinking Autism. This charity provides information and support to families and individuals affected by autism with the aim of improving quality of life and reducing disabling symptoms.

Thinking Autism events and learning

• Local events where people can meet, share information and experiences, and hear from a local practitioner or parent.
• Roadshows with three speakers that are free to members and offer a chance to learn and socialise.
• Autism conferences, usually every two years, with international speakers.
• Live Facebook events, where professional speakers from across the UK and beyond share information about ways to improve quality of life for autistic people.

Mental health, research and professional support

• YoungMinds. A national organisation that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
• Spectrum. News and analysis about autism research in a reader-friendly format, including expert articles on topics that matter to the autism community.
• Visual Supports and Beyond. Training in understanding autism, visual supports, behaviour and other areas.
• NHS England Transforming Care programme. Information about work to improve health and care services so more people with a learning disability, or both, can live in the community with the right support and close to home. The site includes case studies, resources and easy read guidance.

Benefits and financial help

• Disability Living Allowance for children. For children under 16 who have difficulty walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.
• Personal Independence Payment. For young people aged 16 or over who need help with extra living costs because of a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
• Research Autism UK - Tree of Hope. A crowdfunding charity that helps families raise money for specialist care for children and young people with a disability or illness.

Days out and practical help

• Merlin’s Magic Wand. An international children’s charity that creates experiences for children who need them most.
• My Family Our Needs: activities for disabled children. Hints and tips for planning days out with accessibility needs in mind.
• Carers Trust: help for carers. Find help and support in your area.
• CEA Cinema Card. This gives a disabled cinema guest a free ticket for someone to go with them at participating cinemas.
• Sleep hygiene in children information leaflet (PDF). Produced by Great Ormond Street Hospital. Good sleep hygiene can help your child settle to sleep and stay asleep.