Navigating support

Navigating support

As a parent or carer supporting an autistic adult, or if you are autistic yourself, navigating the health and social care system can feel overwhelming. In this section, we’ve included different topics that are specifically relevant for autistic adults to help you find information and support.

Healthcare

Visiting a doctor or dentist can be a stressful experience for many autistic people. We’ve collected tips on how to find an autism-friendly practice and how best to prepare for appointments.
Healthcare

Social care

Autistic adults can have a range of support needs. Read more on how to request a needs assessment and different support options that are available.
Social care

Mental health

If you think that you, or the autistic person you support, may be suffering from a mental health condition, there are different services you can contact for support.
Mental health

Benefits

Autistic people and their parents and carers may be entitled to financial support and social security benefits.
Benefits

Support groups for families

Many parents and carers find that talking to other families with similar experiences can help.
Support groups

Online forums

It can be helpful to share advice and talk to other like-minded autistic people online.
Online forums

Peer support and mentoring

Many autistic people and their families find it useful to talk to others with lived experience of autism.
Peer support and mentoring

Advocating for autistic young people and adults

Sometimes you may come up against barriers, if you’re trying to improve outcomes for yourself or the autistic person you support.
Advocating