Autism Charities

There is an ever-growing number of autism charities across the UK committed to helping autistic individuals and their families. These organisations advocate for inclusion, provide vital resources, and facilitate access to support services.

National Autistic Society

Website: www.autism.org.uk

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the largest and most well-known autism charity in the UK. Established in 1962, it works tirelessly to provide support and advocate for the rights of autistic people. It offers assistance with:

• Personal, social, and educational challenges.
• Helpline services for advice on autism-related topics.
• Specialist schools for children with autism.
• Campaigns and training to inform and educate the public about autism.

NAS also runs initiatives like Autism Hour, helping businesses create more autism-friendly environments.

Ambitious About Autism

Website: www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk

This national charity supports children and young adults with autism through education and employment schemes. The organisation runs specialist schools, colleges, and community programmes. Their focus is on:

• Early intervention and play-based learning support.
• Work-readiness programmes for autistic teenagers and young adults.
• Family-led advocacy for improved educational opportunities.

Ambitious About Autism ensures children and young people receive the right tools to live fulfilling lives.

Autism Alliance UK

Website: www.autism-alliance.org.uk

The Autism Alliance acts as a network for 16 UK-based autism charities, ensuring services are consistent and widely available. Its services include:

• Parent and carer workshops on autism understanding.
• Advocacy projects that promote inclusion in schools and workplaces.
• Community programmes organising social experiences and autism-friendly cafes.

Their website provides access to localised autism support services across the country.

Autism Together

Website: www.autismtogether.co.uk

Focusing on autistic adults, Autism Together provides support tailored to individual needs. Services include:

• Residential care to promote independence.
• Social and leisure clubs designed for autistic adults.
• Employment opportunities for skill-building and independence.

It also works on raising funds for further autism research.

BeyondAutism

Website: www.beyondautism.org.uk

BeyondAutism supports children and young people through tailored educational programmes. It runs schools, outreach projects, and training initiatives, offering:

• Specialised education for children with complex needs.
• Early Years provision promoting social and speech development.
• Work-readiness programmes for post-19 individuals.

This charity helps families and professionals better understand autism.

The Brain Charity

Website: www.thebraincharity.org.uk

While not exclusively autism-focused, this organisation supports people with neurological conditions, including autism. Services include:

• Counselling and therapy for autistic people and their loved ones.
• Volunteer groups fostering social engagement.
• Practical advice on housing, benefits, and care needs.

It provides a comprehensive suite of services to nurture emotional and practical well-being.

WellChild

Website: www.wellchild.org.uk

WellChild typically supports families with children who have complex health needs but also provides resources for those raising autistic children. Services include:

• Guides on navigating sensory issues at healthcare appointments.
• Helping families access local autism support groups and professionals.

Its focus is on empowering parents to get the help they need.

Anna Kennedy Online

Website: www.annakennedyonline.com

Founded by Anna Kennedy OBE, this charity advocates for greater autism awareness and inclusion. Services include:

• Online autism-focused resources for parents, carers, and schools.
• Autism-related events such as Autism’s Got Talent, celebrating the creativity of autistic individuals.
• Advocacy for better autism acceptance in schools and workplaces.

Anna Kennedy Online also provides emotional support for families.

Caudwell Children

Website: www.caudwellchildren.com

Caudwell Children provides family services and therapy for disabled and autistic young people. Services include:

• Autism assessments to provide official diagnoses.
• Funding for equipment needed by autistic children, such as sensory aids.
• SETS (Support Enables Therapies and Solutions) programmes offering bespoke care plans.

They aim to unlock potential and improve access to everyday activities.

Scottish Autism

Website: www.scottishautism.org

Scottish Autism is an autism-specific organisation that offers various services, primarily in Scotland. It supports individuals and families with:

• Assessment and care plans tailored for autistic children and adults.
• Community hubs promoting self-confidence and life skills.
• Online courses for autism awareness aimed at professionals and parents.

Scottish Autism also creates autism-friendly social opportunities.

Autism Berkshire

Website: www.autismberkshire.org.uk

This regional charity provides support services for the autism community in Berkshire. Its core offerings involve:

• Family Support Team guiding parents on how to navigate childhood autism.
• Social groups and leisure activities for autistic children and adults.
• Specialist autism advice for benefits eligibility and financial planning.

Autism Berkshire ensures its services are accessible to families in need.

Resources for Autism

Website: www.resourcesforautism.org.uk

This charity operates primarily across London and the West Midlands. It offers practical and therapeutic support to autistic individuals and their families, including:

• One-to-one autism therapists offering guidance to families.
• Short breaks for carers.
• Art, music, and craft workshops for skill-building and enjoyment.

The charity focuses on accessible and flexible support services.

Autistica

Website: www.autistica.org.uk

Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research charity. It works to fund studies that improve understanding and quality of life for autistic individuals. Its support initiatives include:

• Research into mental health and autism therapies.
• Advocacy for inclusivity through evidence-based campaigns such as “Too Much Information.”
• Resources for parents, carers, and employers featuring insights from scientific studies.

Autistica focuses on increasing evidence-based opportunities for the autism community.

Autism in Mind

Website: www.autisminmind.com

Autism in Mind is a small charity helping families access the right services. Based in Sunderland, it offers:

• Advice and mentoring for families managing autism diagnosis.
• Support groups focussing on emotional and social wellbeing.

This grassroots organisation prioritises building personal relationships with the people it supports.

The Curly Hair Project

Website: www.thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk

The Curly Hair Project is a social enterprise supporting autistic individuals, particularly females who are often underdiagnosed. Its offerings include:

• Online training workshops focusing on female autism experiences.
• Resources like books and blogs explaining autism in user-friendly language.

It aims to educate society on autism while providing safe spaces for support.

Autism West Midlands

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

This regional charity supports autistic people throughout the West Midlands. Offerings include:

• Specialist employment and education advice for adults.
• Training for carers and professionals on identifying and addressing autism.
• Social groups for children and young people.

They work extensively on creating inclusive practices in schools and workplaces.

Final Note

With such a variety of charities and organisations available, you can find support that’s best suited to your needs or the needs of your loved ones. By reaching out to these charities, families, carers, professionals, and autistic individuals can connect to crucial resources like education, advice, therapy, and social opportunities. Visit their websites to learn more or get in touch directly.