Autism: getting support

Autism is a lifelong disability that affects how people think, feel and communicate with others. Autism affects people differently, so not everyone will have the same experiences. You can read more about autism on the Autism Berkshire website.
 

Getting diagnosed

Getting diagnosed with autism as an adult could help answer questions you may have had for a long time.

Getting a formal diagnosis might:

• help you understand why you may experience things differently or find certain things difficult
• help the people close to you understand why you may see and feel the world in a different way
• help you to get support and benefits

If you, a friend or a family member think you're autistic, see your GP to request an assessment. Your GP will need a reason to refer you for diagnosis. Try to tell the GP why you think you could be autistic and how a diagnosis would help you.
 

Thames Valley Autism Alert Card

Autism Berkshire have created the Thames Valley Autism Alert Card. It is a small card that autistic people can use to quickly and easily explain the condition to others.

You can get a card free of charge if you are autistic (or a parent or carer of an autistic person) and you live in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes.

You can find information and the online application form on the Autism Berkshire website, here.
 

West Berkshire Autism Partnership Board

The West Berkshire Autism Partnership Board coordinates and improves services for people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. They make sure there is inclusive, consistent, and needs-based support across the community.

The board brings together:

• the local authority
• health services
• voluntary organisations
• individuals with autism and their families

The partnership board has produced a  guidance pack for adults [1MB]  who are autistic, or people who are not diagnosed but think they may be autistic. The guidance pack has links and details for support services and helpful organisations.

The West Berkshire Autism Partnership Board have also produced an  Adult Autism Strategy [739KB]  and action plan. We are currently reviewing the strategy and action plan. We want our revised strategy to align with the National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults (2021-2026). This includes children and young people for the first time.
 

Support groups, services and more information

Below, we have linked some useful websites and organisations for further information or support:

• the Berkshire Adult Autism Support Service from Autism Berkshire provide advice and signposting, workshops, and meet-ups/groups
   
• the West Berks Autism Awareness Community Facebook Page contains helpful information for everyone
   
• the National Autistic Society (NAS) have produced helpful guidance on support before diagnosis - they also have an Autism Services Directory
   
• the NHS 'Where to get autism support' webpage lists support organisations and social media groups
   
• find autism support, services and groups on the West Berkshire Directory
   

Help getting a job

If you'd like help getting a job, you can find out more about looking for work if you're disabled on the GOV.UK website, here. You can also visit the employment section of the National Autistic Society's website.

Support for young people

If you are a young adult, family or carer, our SEND Local Offer pages might be useful for you. You may also find the Emotional Health Academy information and advice useful.