Being diagnosed as autistic can be difficult to come to terms with. You may be coping with a condition that you know very little about, and wondering how to get appropriate support. 
 
Alternatively, you may have known that you are autistic for a while and find the diagnosis a relief. Although looking for support with adult life, many autistic people celebrate their neurodiversity and unique strengths and qualities.   
 
Here, we talk about how you can find support after diagnosis. 

If you have been diagnosed as having a demand avoidant profile, the PDA Society have information on life with PDA. 

Getting support 

There are various different types of support you might want to explore after getting a diagnosis. You may need to approach professionals and local services for this support. 

Autism awareness and understanding is growing but you may still need to explain to others, including professionals, how being autistic affects you and what support you might need. 

Community support and housing 

You may be able to live independently or need occasional or full-time support to help you with household tasks and to get out and about in your local community. 

This support can be accessed through your local social services. You have a right to an assessment of your support requirements if you have an apparent need. 

You should contact your local social services (in England and Wales), social work department (in Scotland) or Health and Social Care Trust (in Northern Ireland) to ask for an assessment of your needs.  

Benefits 

There are different benefits that autistic people can claim. 
 
To find out more read our information about benefits for autistic adults or contact the citizens advice bureau. 

Education 

Every university or college has a team dedicated to supporting autistic students. Talk to them about anything you think might help you. This could be things like extra time in an exam, or being able to avoid busy rooms and libraries. 
 
Read more about starting college or university in our transitions information. 

Employment 

As an autistic person, you have a lot to offer potential employers. However, it can be a struggle to find the right job. 
 
It’s unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because you are autistic. 
 
Read our advice about work, including disclosing your autism diagnosis and tips for interacting and coping at work. 

Advocacy 

Having an advocate can help you to say what you want, ensure that your rights and interests are understood and that you get the services that you need. 
 

Socialising and making friends 

Our organised group outings and activities are a way of meeting and socialising with other autistic people. 
 
If you find that there is not a National Autistic Society group local to you then you can search our Autism Services Directory for groups arranged by other organisations, charities and autistic people. 
 
You could also post in our community to ask if anyone attends a group that may be suitable for you or contact.

General information and advice 

Here are some ways that you can find general support, information and make contact with other autistic people.  

• Use our Autism Services Directory to look for services in your area, including counsellors

• Find out more about what help and support is available

• Join our community

• Read  the Spectrum, our magazine written by and for autistic adults. You can also subscribe to it. 

• Become a member of our charity to receive our quarterly Your Autism magazine and exclusive discounts on our events and products.  

Next steps 

Find out more about: 

• Disclosing your autism
• Socialising and relationships
• Stories from the Spectrum
• Brain in hand