Personal Support Resources

Here you can find more information and links to support groups relating to autism.

We will soon be providing some further Online Help and Support via online video and downloadable books and leaflets on specific topics – let us know what you would like to see here and if you would like to contribute any information to this page then please feel free to contact us

Online Forums and Social Sites
The National Autistic Society
Support Groups
Professional Support
Other National & Local Charities

Online Forums and Social Sites

The internet is probably the first place you can go to find other parents and families with autism, and the great thing about connecting with others online is that you don’t have to say anything but you can just observe and read what others are asking and what answers others are coming up with.

However, there are many different sites you can get involved in and some are more supportive and helpful than others. As a general rule, look at the comments being made and if they don’t feel right to you, then that group probably isn’t going to help you. For safety on the internet please be careful with your personal information and avoid giving details of your address, phone numbers and avoid sharing photographs of your children. Common sense applies here!

Sites we recommend:

  • Facebook: For Autism Families: Because You Are Worth It – connecting parents, carers and those on the spectrum around the world.
  • Facebook: The Autism Directory – our own group providing information, support and links to other places for help and support
  • Facebook: Anna Kennedy Online – daily information and news in the world of autism

The National Autistic Society (NAS)

The NAS runs 3 telephone support services available on the following free phone numbers

  • The Autism Helpline – 08088 004 102
  • The Education Rights Service – 08088 004 104
  • The Parent-to-Parent Service0 – 8088 004 106

The NAS also have local branches around the country that can provide help and support, and often arrange parent meetings too. Click here to find out more about Local NAS Branches

Support Groups

There are numerous support groups that meet across the UK ranging from monthly coffee mornings to days out. Many of these are affiliated to the NAS and others are independent groups set up by parents.

Professional Support

For more specific help there are organisations that provide further advocacy services, legal help and other types of professional support.

Other National and Local Charities

There are also other charities that can provide help and support at a practical level. Many are national charities with local branches, such as Cerebra and Mencap, and others operate locally. Click on the map to find what’s in your area.

  • Get support at Cerebra Parent Helpline 0800 328 1159
  • Get support at Mencap Helpline 0808 808 1111
  • Get support at Contact A Family Helpline 0808 808 3555

new The charity ‘Scope’ have teamed up with Relate, the relationship experts, to provide a live web chat counselling service for anyone whose family relationships are in difficulty due to the pressure of caring for a disabled child. Click here for more info and to access this service