Support for autistic young people

Online information and guidance

These websites provide information and guidance on a range of topics related to autism and young people.

NHS website – autism information

The NHS website includes a wealth of information on autism, including signs of autism, diagnosis, practical advice and support.

Ambitious About Autism website – information about autism

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.

National Autistic Society website – advice and guidance

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.

Local organisations

Specialist autism charities and groups can provide a range of support and advice to autistic young people.

Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS)

BASS is a multidisciplinary team providing a service for adults registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Barnardo’s HYPE

Barnardo’s HYPE puts young people’s voice at the heart of children’s health and care in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The service supports four young people’s health councils including Mental Health Voice and Neurodivergent Voice.

Autism Services Directory (National Autistic Society)

This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire that can provide support.

Peer support and networks

Peer support brings people together to share experiences, and can help autistic young people to connect and understand their autistic identity.

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.

Resources for Autism

This national charity hosts a range of virtual events for autistic adults, including specialist support groups.

Ambitious About Autism online network

This national charity connects young people and gives them a voice through a range of activities, including an online network.

Preparing for adulthood

Moving from children’s services to adult’s service can sometimes be challenging for young people with special educational needs, which can include people with autism.

Local Offer websites

The three local councils provide information and advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) moving from children’s services to adult’s services. This may be helpful to some autistic young people who have previously benefitted from the support of these services.

Emotional health and wellbeing

Autism is not a mental health condition, but autistic young people may experience emotional health difficulties just as others do.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Talking Therapies

Vita Health Group offer free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are aged 16 and over and 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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

In some cases, CAMHS may provide support to autistic children and young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

24/7 support if you need to talk

If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:

Call NHS 111 and select option 2
Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem

More information on mental health and wellbeing

Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.