Autistic children and families may need support in different ways. Whatever best helps, you can find out more about it in this section of our site. There are links to organisations that offer advice and practical support, as well as useful websites and directories that will signpost you to more help.
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These websites and online resources provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to autism in children.
The NHS website includes a wealth of information on autism, including signs of autism, diagnosis, practical advice and support.
The National Autistic Society provides a directory of advice and guidance on a huge range of topics, including information about diagnosis, physical health and more.
Ambitious About Autism is a national charity that supports children, young people and their families. The website includes a wide range of helpful information and advice about autism.
This website contains a wide range of information to support parents and carers, including helpful resources and signposting. Autism Central also provides one-to-one and group support to parents and carers in Dorset via the South West hub.
Specialist autism charities and services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire provide guidance, support and practical help to autistic children and their families.
The councils’ Local Offer websites include information and links to a wide range of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include autism.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offers free, confidential support to families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND.
Parent Carer Forums work to represent the collective voice and offer support to parent carers of children and young people 0-25 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities. Working alongside the local authorities, education, health and other organisations the forums ensure the needs of the community are being met in the design of services. The local PCF websites provide information on how to have your say and the types of support available, including workshops, online support sessions and resources.
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire that can provide support (tip: type ‘Bristol’, ‘North Somerset’ or ‘South Gloucestershire’ into the search bar).
Some autistic children and young people may need additional support in school or college to help them fulfil their potential.
Every autistic child is different and the level and type of support they need in education will vary. For some, it may simply involve the school making certain adjustments to help them to thrive in an educational environment. Others may need dedicated support provided by a member of staff such as a teaching assistant, and some might benefit from the support of a specialist school.
The Local Offer websites include a wide range information on support for children and young people in education:
The National Autistic Society provides a comprehensive guide to how your child might receive additional help for their special educational needs (SEN) in school and further education.
Peer support is when people with shared experiences support one another in a variety of different ways. Autistic children and their families may benefit from peer support.
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions.
The councils’ Local Offer websites provide information about local support groups and activities:
SENDIASS can provide information about peer-to-peer groups, drop-in events and activities taking place in your local area:
Autism Central hosts online and in-person events to support parents and carers, as well as signposting to local activities and groups. Find information on coffee mornings, drop-in sessions, workshops and more on the website.
In addition to face-to-face support and groups, there are a range of online networks and forums that can provide valuable connections and peer support.
Many of the groups listed in our peer support section have Facebook pages and online communities.
Talk About Autism is an online community for parents and carers of children with autism, managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
The Ambitious Youth Network is an online space for autistic young people aged 13-25 to be themselves. It is managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
Advocacy services can help to give autistic children and their families a voice, as well as providing support in difficult situations.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy. There are also a range of ways for young people and families to have their say about services and support.
Parent carer forums represent parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and offer a range of opportunities to get involved and have your say.
A network of autism charities that advocate for autistic people’s rights. The Alliance does not provide direct advocacy services to individuals, but their work is leading to real changes in policy and support.
The team work to give young people (aged 16 and over) a voice in different ways, including a youth council and consultancy opportunities.
Autism is not a mental health condition, but autistic children and young people may need support with their emotional health just like others do.
Particular circumstances can sometimes lead autistic people to experience increased stress, anxiety or other difficulties for which mental health support can help.
The Directory includes information about organisations that provide mental health support to young people in the local area.
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
In some cases, autistic children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties may be supported by CAMHS.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Find out more about autism assessments including the assessment process, different assessment routes and diagnostic criteria.
Online networks, peer support, emotional health, preparing for adulthood and more.
Support for autistic young people
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings.
Helpful resources
People who are neurodivergent explain what helps them to maintain supportive family relationships.
Family relationships