I wanted to make having some resources easy accessible, all in one place. If you are struggling to know whether you may be autistic or neurodivergent, some of the sites below should help you get started and find some support. If you want to connect with some resources such a online 'tests' that give you an indication but not a diagnosis then you can use this page here.
My own journey began with someone I trusted, suggesting it to me. Initially I disregarded it but I did a lot of looking up videos with autistic females exploring their own neurodivergence. The more I looked, the more I understood that yes I was autistic and my teen son was too. Looking back now it seems glaringly obvious, but I was used to hearing about the stereotypes and so it never entered my consciousness. That was almost 4 years ago now and whilst I chose to get an assessment, I needed the clarity and validation for having struggled with so much over my life, my son decided not to go ahead. He has very valid reasons and none of it is shame. He fully embraces thats he's autistic and is happy to tell anyone. He's accepted by us and his good friends as well as himself and that is all that matters. Plus the wait list would mean he's out of education and he doesn't require any extra support.
When it comes to all I've learnt and found over the past four years I couldn't possibly share it all on this post. However if there is a resource that you think would be a good addition to the list please get in touch and I can look at adding it.
'Nothing about us, without us.'
There are some charities that work against autism and want to eradicate it. Be wary of anything that isn't directly from autistic people.
Key Unlocking Futures:
Who: 4-18 and adults, dependent on the service required
Focus: Key Unlocking Futures is a Lancashire-based charity that supports survivors of domestic abuse, offering counselling, mentoring, and empowerment programs to help individuals rebuild their lives whilst also supporting families with children on the spectrum.
Website: Key Charity, Lancashire
Ambitious about Autism:
Focus: Ambitious about Autism is a UK charity that provides education and support services for children and young people with autism. They also work to raise awareness and understanding.
Website: Ambitious about Autism
Autism Education Trust (AET):
Focus: AET is a partnership between leading autism organizations in the UK, aiming to improve educational support for children and young people with autism.
Website: Autism Education Trust
Autism Initiatives:
Focus: Autism Initiatives provides a range of services and support for individuals with autism, including residential care, day services, and community support.
Website: Autism Initiatives
Autistica:
Focus: Autistica is a UK charity that funds and promotes research into understanding and improving the lives of autistic people. They collaborate with researchers and the autism community.
Website: Autistica
Dimensions UK:
Focus: Dimensions provides support services for people with autism and learning disabilities, promoting inclusion and enabling individuals to live fulfilling lives.
Website: Dimensions UK
National Autistic Society Scotland:
Focus: A branch of the National Autistic Society specifically focused on providing support and resources for autistic individuals and their families in Scotland.
Website: NAS Scotland
Autism East Midlands:
Focus: Autism East Midlands offers a range of services, including education, residential care, and community support, for individuals with autism in the East Midlands region.
Website: Autism East Midlands
Scottish Autism:
Focus: Scottish Autism is a charity that provides support, services, and resources for autistic individuals and their families in Scotland.
Website: Scottish Autism
SWAN Autism Scotland:
Focus: SWAN Autism Scotland is a grassroots organization that focuses on providing support and resources for autistic individuals. They emphasize neurodiversity, acceptance, and empowerment.
Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE):
Focus: AMASE is a mutual aid society based in Edinburgh, providing a supportive community for autistic individuals. They emphasize peer support and understanding.
Autism Women's Network:
Focus: A network that focuses on the unique experiences and needs of autistic women and girls, offering support and resources.
Website: Autism Women's Network
Reframing Autism:
Focus: Reframing Autism is an organization that aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. They advocate for a more positive and inclusive understanding of autism, emphasizing neurodiversity and the strengths of autistic individuals.
Website: Reframing Autism
National Autistic Society (NAS):
Focus: The NAS is a UK-based organization providing information, support, and services for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
Website: National Autistic Society
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN):
Focus: ASAN is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic individuals. It promotes acceptance, inclusion, and the rights of autistic people.
Website: Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Beat:
Focus: Beat supports individuals dealing with eating disorders, providing helplines and online resources including ARFID.
Website: Beat
Lancashire LGBT:
Focus: Lancashire LGBT are the charity that supports LGBTQ+ people across Lancashire. They also work with professionals and organisations seeking support and guidance on LGBTQ+ inclusive services and working environments.
Website: Lancashire LGBT
GALOP (formerly Broken Rainbow):
Focus: Galop is a UK charity who's team has decades of experience in supporting LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.
Website: GALOP
Mosaic Trust
Who: All ages
Focus: Mosaic Trust is a UK charity that aims to support, educate and inspire LGBT+ persons and those around them by providing accessible activities, programmes and services that aim to empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for young LGBT+ rights, and embrace, promote and endorse the diversity of young persons.
We are committed to building a strong and cohesive LGBT+ community that is safe, free from prejudice, and thriving. A community where every LGBT+ young person feels empowered, inspired and proud of who they are.
Website: Mosaic Trust, London
DISCLAIMER: All of these organisations aim to play a vital role in providing support and resources for individuals dealing with mental health issues. Always check their websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information and support services. I can't be held responsible for any adverse advice or service. Use the above list at your discretion.
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