This section is for teachers, social workers, support workers and others working with families and autistic adults. It explores the support available after receiving an autism diagnosis.  

Advice for those working with children  

An autism diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with. Parents may be coping with a condition they know very little about, and trying to find new ways for everyone in their family to live together and feel supported.  

Getting support for the child 

It’s important to tell parents that their child is the same person they have always been. Now that you know they are on the autism spectrum, they can begin to better understand their needs, arrange the right support and help them to maximise their potential. 

This is important for autistic children, who can benefit from appropriate, sometimes intensive, support from an early age. It’s also important for families, who may benefit from services such as short breaks. 

A diagnosis can help their child to get autism-specific support, but this doesn’t happen automatically. 

At school 

Help at school is based on need, in addition to the diagnosis. You can advise parents to speak to the school about how their child might be able to get extra help before or after a diagnosis. 

Social care 

Local authorities have a duty to provide services for children in need. The child does not have to be diagnosed to be considered in need. 

Parents should contact their 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 their child's needs. 

They can also ask for an assessment of their needs as a carer. They might be able to access a variety of support such as short breaks. 

Financial help 

Families may be eligible for benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance. 

At home 

Our EarlyBird post-diagnostic support programmes for parents and carers can help parents to understand autism, build their confidence to encourage interaction and communication, and understand behaviour.  

We also run one-day family support seminars on topics such as understanding behaviour, sensory needs, and supporting siblings. 

Parents can also find guidance on our website about behaviour, communication, health, holidays and days out, and other aspects of home and family life. 

Meeting other autistic children 

Some children find it helpful to meet other autistic children and to learn that they are not alone. Our Autism Services Directory lists social groups, after-school clubs and support groups around the UK. 

Advice to parents about looking after themselves 

It will take parents time to learn how to help their child and family cope with day-to-day life. They have the right to feel annoyed or frustrated. It’s hard to remain positive when things don’t go as planned and it is natural to feel upset. 

Advise them to try to get some time on their own to relax, even if it is just to walk the dog or do the washing up, and try not to feel guilty about doing this. Everyone deserves some time out to recharge the batteries. 

They can also ask for an assessment of their needs as a carer, so that they can access support such as short breaks. 

It may help them to talk about their experiences with people who have been in a similar situation, such as through our Parent to Parent Service, our online community, or one of our branches. 

Advice for those working with autistic adults 

Being diagnosed as autistic can be difficult to come to terms with. The person you are supporting may be coping with a condition that they know very little about, and wondering how to get appropriate support. 
 
Alternatively, they may have known that they 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.   

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

Getting support 

Autism is an invisible disability, meaning that the person you are supporting may need to educate others, including professionals, about how being autistic affects them and what support they need. 

You can advise them to give information about: 

• their communication preferences

• sensory sensitivities

• their need for routine and to prepare for change

• needing more time to process information. 

We also have advice for their manager, college tutor, or doctor. 

Socialising and making friends 

Our organised social groups and activities are a way of meeting and socialising with other autistic people. 
 
If 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. 
 
People could post in our community to ask if anyone attends a group that may be suitable for them or they can contact our e-befriending service.  

Community support and housing 

The support needs of autistic people vary, some may live independently, while others need occasional or full-time support. 

Autistic adults have a right to an assessment of their support requirements if they have an apparent need. 

Read more about community care for adults. 

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. Advise the person you are working with to talk to them about anything they think might help them. 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 

Autistic people 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 someone because they are autistic. 
 
The person you are supporting can read our advice about work, including disclosing an autism diagnosis and tips for interacting and coping at work. 

Advocacy 

Having an advocate can help an autistic adult to say what they want, ensure that their rights and interests are understood and that they get the services they need.  
 

General information and advice 

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

• 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  

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