Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person acts and communicates with the world around them. Over 1% of the population has autism, but everyone experiences autism differently. It’s important to remember that autism doesn’t need to be ‘cured’ as it is just a difference in how the brain works. Autistic people may require some form of support to help with specific struggles they face. There are lots of different options for support, but the support someone will seek depends on their individual needs.

Support available

👉🏽Coaching

An autism coach can help with discovering strengths and building on them through goal setting and action planning. They might also help someone implement strategies to overcome any struggles they experience due to autism. Have a look at how our coaching can help someone with autism.

👉🏽 Local council

The local council can carry out a needs assessment to identify your needs and support or financial benefits you may be entitled to. This changes depending on the level of support someone needs. A needs assessment can be booked through the local council by calling them or applying online.

People under 25 might be offered different support by their council. This support varies between councils, so it’s best to check what is offered by your council.

👉🏽 Occupational therapy

Occupational therapists work with autistic people to understand their sensory processing differences and to encourage and maintain skills for daily life. This might include a sensory diet to help improve how a person feels throughout the day.

👉🏽 Speech and language therapy

Autistic people might seek out speech and language therapy if they find communication difficult. This can include verbal, non-verbal and social communication.

👉🏽 Workplace or classroom accommodations

There might be a specific team or person who you can be approached for support. They might offer accommodations such as extra time on exams or the use of assistive technology like voice-to-text software or speech recognition software.

Autistic people might also be able to get support from the government's Access to Work programme. Autistic people may also fall under the Equality Act (2010) and so would be entitled to additional support from their employer.

At university, autistic students are often provided with additional support. This support can differ depending on the university so it is best to discuss it with the individual university.

👉🏽 Financial support

Autistic people may be entitled to financial support from the government. This might include Employment and Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and universal credit. Autistic people at university may also be able to access the Disabled Student’s Allowance.

👉🏽 Support groups

The diagnosis team might provide information on local support groups, or there is some available can online. There are also online forums where you can talk to people with similar experiences. Sometimes just reading other people's experiences is beneficial, you don't have to post yourself.

👉🏽 Family and friends

Family and friends can help provide emotional support for autistic people. They can also be with you when meeting with doctors and support workers, or when doing the needs assessment to help advocate for you if you want that support.