This page brings together information, support, and helpful resources for autistic people and those who care for them. Whether you are looking for guidance for a child, support as an adult, advice on benefits, or help with mental health, you’ll find signposts here to services and organisations that can help. Everyone’s experience of autism is different, so we aim to provide a range of options to suit different needs, circumstances, and stages of life.

Seeking an autism diagnosis for your child:

  • Autism Unlimited have an assessment service for children seeking an autism diagnosis. The Discovery Hub: Autism Assessments can be accessed via our website and begins with an initial phone conversation, before proceeding to a full assessment supported by therapy professionals and a clinical psychologist. 
  • You can also seek diagnosis via the NHS Right to Choose service. 

Information on residential settings:

  • If you are seeking advice and information about residential settings for your autistic child, you will need to speak to your local authority. Your child will need to be assessed in order to qualify for a residential provision.  For further information and support for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole catchment area, please visit their website: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families

If your child is refusing to attend school:

  • We understand how challenging it can be when your child refuses to attend school.  The National Autistic Society provides useful information on best how to support your child at home and at school while providing useful strategies for consideration, please visit their website: NAS school attendance support

Social Groups, mentoring:

  • Your local authority website may have a list of community based activities and opportunities suitable for your autistic child. For BCP, you can find that information here: BCP activties
  • For information of activities in the Dorset area: Dorset socialise and meet ups

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Housing support:

For assistance with housing support,  please get in touch with your Local Authority to discuss your needs and options. Citzens advice BCP council provides an umbrella for a variety of Housing related issues: https://citizensadvicebcp.org.uk/housing/ 

Social Groups, friendships, mentoring:

  • The Umbrella Group  The Umbrella Group is a parent-led support group for parents and carers of children and young adults with autism, based at Portfield School, Parley Lane, Christchurch.  It offers a space to share experiences and meets on a monthly basis. 
  • The Dorset Adult Aspergers Support The DAAS group offers support and information for adults with autism including asperger's syndrome and their carers, families and friends in the Dorset area.
  • NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub The NHS Dorset's neurodiversity hub contains information to support neurodivergent people living in Dorset, with a particular focus on autism and ADHD.

Careers advice, finding a job:

  • Pathway to Employment BCP SEND local offer lists organisations that offer supported work programmes and projects for disabled people with a SEN need.
  • National Autistic Society The National Autistic society have information to help autistic people find a job and get the support they need at work, including resources on reasonable adjustments and how to request them.
  • Gov.uk National Careers Service The national careers service provides job support if you have special educational needs or a disability.
  • The NHS advocacy website  If you find it difficult to understand your care and support or find it difficult to speak up, there are people who can act as a spokesperson for you.  They make sure you're heard and are called advocates.   Please find a list of advocacy services on the the NHS website.
  • For a private NHS recognised diagnosis you may wish to contact the West Dorset Practice in Poundbury or use the National Autistic Services Directory to find a practice near you National Autistic Directory Services.

If you or a family member are in a mental health crisis or not able to keep yourself safe, please contact the emergency services:

  • call 999 and ask for an ambulance
  • call NHS 111 and attend the emergency department

NAS mental health, Autism is not a mental health problem but autistic people can have good and bad mental health like anyone else.  There are things that can be done to help - talk to people and seek professional help if you need it.  The National Autistic Society can help with their advice and guidance on a range of topics such as:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Seeking help with mental health
  • Self-Harm
  • Suicide

Other organisations that offer mental health support: