You have a right to an assessment of your support needs if you have an apparent need. This could be because you have recently received an autism diagnosis and been told you might need extra support in your daily life. You’ll need to have this assessment before your local council can recommend a service, such as help from a paid carer or access to day and respite services. 

You can read our information on assessments and how to ask for one. 

Support available

The most common types of support are listed below. Your local social services department or housing authority might suggest some other options which better meet your specific needs. You might have thought of another type of support yourself. If you have a social worker, tell them about any type of support that you think will help you.

Respite care

If you live with your family, respite care would give you a break away from one another. Respite care is sometimes called short breaks. 

Centres

Our centres, or other centres (sometimes called “day services”) can help you to do activities and socialise with other people, including those who share a similar experience to you. 

Outreach

An outreach worker could help you to do the things you need or want to do, such as going to college, visiting the doctor, or doing your hobbies. 

Supported employment

Supported employment services can help you to work or prepare for work. 

Support groups

Support groups are where you can go and get advice or some support with other people, in a group setting.

Therapists and specialists

You might get support from therapists and specialists such as counsellors and medical professionals.

Care from family

If your parents or other family members help you with managing your finances, cooking or shopping, or other aspects of daily life, they may be able to get support themselves by having a carer’s assessment.

Where you might live

Residential care

Residential care is sometimes known as a group home or shared housing. A home can be shared by as few as three people to as many as 20. Residents can do their own shopping and cooking, with support from staff, and support may include personal care. There is usually 24-hour staffing.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) is the social care regulator in Northern Ireland.  It inspects, reviews and audits residential care. Inspections are carried out regularly and assess a number of factors, including building standards, staffing levels, staff training and experience, health and safety and complaints.

Supported living schemes

In a supported living scheme, you are have accommodation, which can include your own home, as well as some kinds of care, such as help with cooking, shopping or washing. If you live in a supported living home, you may share this with a handful of other people who have a similar experience to you.  The level of support will depend on your needs. 

Support in your home

Getting support in your own home is sometimes called domiciliary care. This means you can continue to live at home but receiving ongoing support which is built around your specific needs and routines. A carer might visit you every day or a few times a week, or become a live-in carer so you can receive 24-hour support.

Shared lives

Shared lives is when you live with another person or family who agree to support you in their home. More about shared lives.

Supported lodgings

Living in someone else's home as a lodger, but with extra support, is called supported lodgings.

Homeshare

Homeshare means sharing a house or flat with someone who has different needs. Each person would have something to offer the other. For example, one person may have a home and need support and help, while other person may need a home and be able to offer help and support. 

Find out more

Read more about our residential services
Read more about our support in the community
Use our Autism Services Directory to find support groups and social clubs.
Visit the government's website for information about accommodation options.
Visit the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority website