Autistic adults may need different types of support at different times in their life.
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.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know via our feedback form.
These websites provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to autism in adults.
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, employment, physical health and more.
Specialist autism charities and groups provide a range of support to autistic adults, from advice over the phone to practical help at home.
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire that can provide support.
Peer support is when people with shared experiences support one another. Autism-specific peer support is usually available to people with or without a diagnosis of autism.
The national charity hosts a range of virtual events for autistic adults, including specialist support groups (a fee may be payable).
The NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire provides different types of care to people with a diagnosis of autism who may need extra support in particular areas.
Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS) is a multidisciplinary team providing a service for adults registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. BASS provide autism assessments, post diagnostic support to autistic individuals and training and liaison support for professionals who work with autistic individuals.
The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust website provides information for adults with learning disabilities, including people who may be autistic. Local support for people with learning disabilities is provided through the NHS and local authorities, alongside specialist charities and other organisations.
Advocacy is when someone speaks up for you or represents you in some way. There are also ways to share your own views if you would like to.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy.
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.
Social care and support may be provided by the local councils if needed for autistic adults.
Access to practical services such as transport, help in the home, training and housing support may be available via local councils’ adult social care teams. Local charities and voluntary groups can also provide practical support to people who need it.
Phone: 0117 922 2700
Phone: 01275 888 801
Phone: 01454 868007
Autism is not a mental health condition, but autistic people may experience emotional health and wellbeing challenges just like others do.
Find information on local and national organisations that provide mental health support to adults.
Vita Health Group offer free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. The service is not specific to autistic people but people living with autism may benefit from this support if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust provide mental health support to both adults and children in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Peer support, mental health support, national charities and more for adults with ADHD.
Support for adults with ADHD
Self-care tips from members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community and advice on wellbeing.
Self-care and wellbeing support
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings.
Helpful resources for neurodivergent people