Autistic adults may need different types of support at different times in their life. Whatever best helps, you can find out more about it in this section of our site. There are links to organisations that offer advice and practical support, as well as useful websites and directories that will signpost you to more help.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know via our feedback form.
Online information and guidance
NHS website – autism information
The NHS website includes a wealth of information on autism, including signs of autism, diagnosis, practical advice and support.
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society provides a directory of advice and guidance on a huge range of topics, including information about diagnosis, employment, physical health and more.
Dorset Adult Asperger’s Group (DAAS)
DAAS provides a directory of useful information for autistic adults on topics including crisis, advocacy, benefits, legal matters and more.
Online information and guidance
These websites provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to autism in adults.
NHS website – autism information
The NHS website includes a wealth of information on autism, including signs of autism, diagnosis, practical advice and support.
National Autistic Society
The National Autistic Society provides a directory of advice and guidance on a huge range of topics, including information about diagnosis, employment, physical health and more.
Dorset Adult Asperger’s Group (DAAS)
DAAS provides a directory of useful information for autistic adults on topics including crisis, advocacy, benefits, legal matters and more.
Local organisations
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory also provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support to autistic children, adults and family members.
Autism Services Directory (National Autistic Society)
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Dorset that can provide support (tip: add ‘Dorset’ in the search bar).
Dorset Adults Asperger’s Support (DAAS)
DAAS provides information and peer support for autistic adults across Dorset, including people with Asperger’s, as well as their families, friends and carers. Meetings run in-person in Bournemouth and also online, and are open to people from across Dorset. A speaker is also available to groups to spread understanding.
- Find out more online: www.dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
- Email: info@dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
- DAAS can also chat on the phone if preferred – email in the first instance and the team will arrange a call
Autism Unlimited
Autism Unlimited provides a range of support for adults in Dorset with a dedicated Adult Support team. The charity also provides residential options and support for independent living, and can offer advice and help over the phone.
Local organisations
Specialist autism charities and groups provide a range of support to autistic adults, from advice over the phone to practical help at home.
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory also provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support to autistic children, adults and family members.
Autism Services Directory (National Autistic Society)
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Dorset that can provide support (tip: add ‘Dorset’ in the search bar).
Dorset Adults Asperger’s Support (DAAS)
DAAS provides information and peer support for autistic adults across Dorset, including people with Asperger’s, as well as their families, friends and carers. Meetings run in-person in Bournemouth and also online, and are open to people from across Dorset. A speaker is also available to groups to spread understanding.
- Find out more online: www.dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
- Email: info@dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
- DAAS can also chat on the phone if preferred – email in the first instance and the team will arrange a call
Autism Unlimited
Autism Unlimited provides a range of support for adults in Dorset with a dedicated Adult Support team. The charity also provides residential options and support for independent living, and can offer advice and help over the phone.
Peer support
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions
Dorset Adults Asperger’s Support (DAAS)
DAAS hosts regular meetings in Bournemouth as well as online. Meetings are open to people from across Dorset. The DAAS team are also available to help via email and on the phone.
Email: info@dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
Help and Kindness Directory
The Help and Kindness Directory provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that offer peer support, including autism-specific groups and groups for people with learning disabilities.
Resources for Autism
The national charity hosts a range of virtual events for autistic adults, including specialist support groups.
Peer support
Peer support is when people with shared experiences support one another. Autism-specific peer support is usually available to people with or without a diagnosis of autism.
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions
Dorset Adults Asperger’s Support (DAAS)
DAAS hosts regular meetings in Bournemouth as well as online. Meetings are open to people from across Dorset. The DAAS team are also available to help via email and on the phone.
Email: info@dorsetadultaspergerssupport.org.uk
Help and Kindness Directory
The Help and Kindness Directory provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that offer peer support, including autism-specific groups and groups for people with learning disabilities.
Resources for Autism
The national charity hosts a range of virtual events for autistic adults, including specialist support groups.
Professional support
NHS Community Adult Autism Service (CAAS)
Dorset HealthCare’s CAAS service provides diagnosis to adults who are in primary care, and also offers specialist support to people for a period of time after diagnosis. For those without a diagnosis or those who do not wish to pursue a formal diagnosis of autism, the team can also signpost to appropriate services. If you or a family member need to access the CAAS service, please contact your GP in the first instance. CAAS also provides guidance and advice to professional colleagues who work with autistic people.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Provides talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. Dorset HealthCare’s service is free and can be accessed online via self-referral.
Adults with learning disabilities
The Dorset HealthCare website provides information for adults with learning disabilities, including people who may be autistic. Local support for people with learning disabilities is provided through the NHS and local authorities, alongside specialist charities and other organisations.
Professional support
The NHS in Dorset provides different types of care to people with a diagnosis of autism who may need extra support in particular areas.
NHS Community Adult Autism Service (CAAS)
Dorset HealthCare’s CAAS service provides diagnosis to adults who are in primary care, and also offers specialist support to people for a period of time after diagnosis. For those without a diagnosis or those who do not wish to pursue a formal diagnosis of autism, the team can also signpost to appropriate services. If you or a family member need to access the CAAS service, please contact your GP in the first instance. CAAS also provides guidance and advice to professional colleagues who work with autistic people.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Provides talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. Dorset HealthCare’s service is free and can be accessed online via self-referral.
Adults with learning disabilities
The Dorset HealthCare website provides information for adults with learning disabilities, including people who may be autistic. Local support for people with learning disabilities is provided through the NHS and local authorities, alongside specialist charities and other organisations.
Training and understanding
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre (REC) runs a three-part ‘Understanding Autism’ course that is available to anyone who is autistic, as well as those supporting them. This offers an opportunity to explore our understanding of autism and its impact, what that means for wellbeing, coping skills, communication, and living with autism. The REC also runs courses on other useful topics, included ADHD and mental health.
Find out more about training and, opportunities to take part in research
Training and understanding
Specialist training is available in Dorset for anyone aged 18 or over who would like to understand more about autism.
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre (REC) runs a three-part ‘Understanding Autism’ course that is available to anyone who is autistic, as well as those supporting them. This offers an opportunity to explore our understanding of autism and its impact, what that means for wellbeing, coping skills, communication, and living with autism. The REC also runs courses on other useful topics, included ADHD and mental health.
Find out more about training and, opportunities to take part in research
Advocacy and opportunities to have your say
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
SWAN provides advocacy services to people from across Dorset and can offer help to autistic people who may need support.
Tel: 0333 447928
Autism Alliance
A network of autism charities that advocate for autistic people’s rights. The Alliance does not provide direct advocacy services to individuals, but their work is leading to real changes in policy and support.
Learn more about self-advocacy for neurodivergent people in our ‘Finding your voice’ blog.
Advocacy and opportunities to have your say
Advocacy is when someone speaks up for you or represents you in some way. There are also ways to share your own views if you would like to.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN)
SWAN provides advocacy services to people from across Dorset and can offer help to autistic people who may need support.
Tel: 0333 447928
Autism Alliance
A network of autism charities that advocate for autistic people’s rights. The Alliance does not provide direct advocacy services to individuals, but their work is leading to real changes in policy and support.
Learn more about self-advocacy for neurodivergent people in our ‘Finding your voice’ blog.
Practical help and social care
Access to practical services such as transport, help in the home, training and housing support may be available via local councils’ adult social care teams. Local charities and voluntary groups can also provide practical support to people who need it.
BCP Council adult social care information
Phone: 01202 123654
Dorset Council adult social care information
Phone: 01305 221016
Help & Kindness Dorset directory
Find more information about charities and groups that provide practical help and support in the Help & Kindness directory.
Practical help and social care
Social care and support may be provided by the local councils if needed for autistic adults.
Access to practical services such as transport, help in the home, training and housing support may be available via local councils’ adult social care teams. Local charities and voluntary groups can also provide practical support to people who need it.
BCP Council adult social care information
Phone: 01202 123654
Dorset Council adult social care information
Phone: 01305 221016
Help & Kindness Dorset directory
Find more information about charities and groups that provide practical help and support in the Help & Kindness directory.
Emotional health and wellbeing
Public Health Dorset
Find information on local and national organisations that provide mental health support to adults.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
The CMHT may provide support to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. The service is not specific to autistic people but people living with autism may benefit from this support if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Emotional health and wellbeing
Autism is not a mental health condition, but autistic people may experience emotional health and wellbeing challenges just like others do.
Public Health Dorset
Find information on local and national organisations that provide mental health support to adults.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
The CMHT may provide support to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing severe mental health difficulties.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people who are experiencing anxiety or depression. The service is not specific to autistic people but people living with autism may benefit from this support if they are experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
More information on mental health and wellbeing
“I was diagnosed as autistic in my 60s. Since then I’ve been trying to unmask and connect with who I truly am.”
Francesca, West Dorset
More helpful information
Peer support, mental health support, national charities and more for adults with ADHD
Self-care and wellbeing support
Self-care tips from members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community and advice on wellbeing
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
