Autism Support Directory: Trusted Organisations, Websites and Resources

Receiving an autism diagnosis can raise lots of questions. Many families tell us they don't know where to begin or which information they can trust.

The good news is that there are many excellent organisations providing evidence-based, neuro-affirming information, practical advice and support for autistic people and their families.

Below are some of the resources we recommend most frequently.

General Autism Information

National Autistic Society (NAS)

The National Autistic Society is the UK's largest autism charity. Their website contains information about diagnosis, education, employment, relationships, mental health, benefits and everyday life.

Website:
https://www.autism.org.uk

Autism Education Trust (AET)

The Autism Education Trust provides evidence-based guidance for schools, teachers and families. Their resources focus on improving educational experiences for autistic children and young people.

Website:
https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

NeuroClastic

NeuroClastic is written primarily by autistic people and provides articles exploring lived experience, masking, sensory processing, burnout and neuro-affirming practice.

Website:
https://neuroclastic.com

Child Mind Institute

Provides accessible information for parents on autism, ADHD, anxiety and child development.

Website:
https://childmind.org

Understanding Autism

Tony Attwood

Dr Tony Attwood is one of the world's leading clinical psychologists specialising in autism. His books, videos and articles cover many aspects of autistic experience.

Website:
https://tonyattwood.com.au

Amazing Things Happen

A beautifully animated short film explaining autism to children in a positive and accessible way.

Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Amazing+Things+Happen+Autism

Education and School Support

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

IPSEA offers free legal advice about special educational needs, EHCPs, school support and appeals.

Website:
https://www.ipsea.org.uk

SEND Local Offer

Every local authority has a SEND Local Offer outlining available education, health and social care services.

Find your local authority here:

https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Contact

A UK charity supporting families with disabled children, including guidance on education, benefits and navigating support systems.

Website:
https://contact.org.uk

Understanding EHCPs

Useful guidance can be found from:

IPSEA
https://www.ipsea.org.uk

Council for Disabled Children
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk

Mental Health and Wellbeing

YoungMinds

Provides information on anxiety, school attendance difficulties and emotional wellbeing.

Website:
https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Mind

Offers advice on mental health, stress, anxiety and accessing support.

Website:
https://www.mind.org.uk

Sensory Processing

The National Autistic Society

Information about sensory differences and practical strategies.

https://www.autism.org.uk

Kelly Mahler

One of the leading experts on interoception and body awareness.

Website:
https://www.kelly-mahler.com

Speech and Communication

Stamma

Support for children and adults who stammer.

Website:
https://stamma.org

Michael Palin Centre for Stammering

Provides specialist assessment, therapy and resources.

Website:
https://michaelpalincentreforstammering.org

Action for Stammering Children

Support and advice for families.

Website:
https://actionforstammeringchildren.org

Internet Safety

NSPCC

Advice about keeping children safe online.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

National Autistic Society

Advice on online safety specifically for autistic young people.

https://www.autism.org.uk

Demand Avoidance

PDA Society

Information about demand avoidant behaviours, practical strategies and educational guidance.

Website:
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk

National Autistic Society

Information about demand avoidance and support strategies.

https://www.autism.org.uk

Preparing for Exams

Autism Education Trust

Advice for schools and families regarding exam support and reasonable adjustments.

https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

National Autistic Society

Preparation strategies for examinations and transitions.

https://www.autism.org.uk

Transition to Secondary School

Helpful resources include:

• Social Stories
• School visits
• One-page profiles
• Visual timetables
• Transition passports

Further information:

https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

Employment Support

National Autistic Society

Support with employment, reasonable adjustments and disclosure.

https://www.autism.org.uk

Access to Work

Government-funded support for disabled people in employment.

https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Financial Support

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

Support for higher education students.

https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Information about disability benefits.

https://www.gov.uk/pip

Carer's Allowance

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

Recommended Books

For Children

• Wonderfully Wired Brains – Louise Gooding
• My Different Brain – Orlanda Bettison
• Just Like Me – Louise Gooding
• Unmasking Millie – Millie Carr
• Different Like Me – Jennifer Elder
• The Amazing Autistic Brain Cards – Gloria Dura-Vila

For Teenagers

• Girl Unmasked – Emily Katy
• UNMASKED – Ellie Middleton
• Can You See Me? – Libby Scott
• The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide

For Parents

• The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome – Tony Attwood
• Is This Autism? – Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland and Jamell White
• NeuroTribes – Steve Silberman
• Looking After Your Autistic Self – Niamh Garvey

Neurodivergent Voices

Many autistic people find it helpful to learn directly from autistic adults who share their own experiences.

Some excellent creators include:

• Autistic & Unapologetic
• The Autistic Therapist
• Social Autie
• Neurodivergent Lou
• Super Spectrum Girl
• The Autistic Life

These creators share practical advice on topics including masking, burnout, sensory differences, executive functioning and self-advocacy from a lived experience perspective.

Remember

No two autistic people are the same. A strategy, book or website that is life-changing for one person may not suit another. Exploring different resources, listening to autistic voices and focusing on an individual's strengths, interests and support needs will help you build an approach that is personalised, respectful and neuro-affirming.