Autistic children and families may need support in different ways. 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 website – advice and guidance
The National Autistic Society provides a directory of advice and guidance on a huge range of topics, including information about diagnosis, physical health and more.
Ambitious About Autism website – information about autism
Ambitious About Autism is a national charity that supports children, young people and their families. The website includes a wide range of helpful information and advice about autism.
University Hospitals Dorset online resources
The Child Development Centre section on the University Hospitals Dorset website has resources, information, advice and support booklets on a range of topics. It includes an autism advice and support pack, which is intended as an introduction if your child has recently been diagnosed as autistic, plus additional resources including a guide to neurodevelopmental assessments and a directory of useful information.
Autism Central
This website contains a wide range of information to support parents and carers, including helpful resources and signposting. Autism Central also provides one-to-one and group support to parents and carers in Dorset via the South West hub.
Online information and guidance
These websites and online resources provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to autism in children.
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 website – advice and guidance
The National Autistic Society provides a directory of advice and guidance on a huge range of topics, including information about diagnosis, physical health and more.
Ambitious About Autism website – information about autism
Ambitious About Autism is a national charity that supports children, young people and their families. The website includes a wide range of helpful information and advice about autism.
University Hospitals Dorset online resources
The Child Development Centre section on the University Hospitals Dorset website has resources, information, advice and support booklets on a range of topics. It includes an autism advice and support pack, which is intended as an introduction if your child has recently been diagnosed as autistic, plus additional resources including a guide to neurodevelopmental assessments and a directory of useful information.
Autism Central
This website contains a wide range of information to support parents and carers, including helpful resources and signposting. Autism Central also provides one-to-one and group support to parents and carers in Dorset via the South West hub.
Local organisations
Autism Unlimited
Autism Unlimited provides a range of support for autistic children and young people in Dorset. The charity runs Portfield School, a specialist school in Bournemouth for autistic children, and offers specialist autism training to other organisations. In addition, Autism Unlimited runs local campaigns and initiatives to improve education and awareness.
Local Offer websites
The two councils’ Local Offer websites include information and links to a wide range of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include autism. There are separate Local Offer websites for the BCP Council and Dorset Council area.
SENDIass
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offers free, confidential support to families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND. There are separate SENDIASS services for the BCP Council and Dorset Council area.
Dorset Youth – SEND support
This helpful website contains information on a range of organisations that can provide support to autistic children, as well as their families and siblings.
Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC)
DPCC is the parent carer forum for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with SEND in the Dorset Council area. The DPCC’s aim is to make sure the services in their area meet the needs of disabled children and their families. You can also contact them for help or advice if you are worried about your child.
Parent Carers Together (PCT)
PCT is the parent carer forum for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with SEND in the BCP Council area. PCT gathers the views of local families and works in partnership with local organisations to highlight what is working well or challenge when changes need to be made. PCT also organises groups and workshops for families in the BCP area.
The National Autistic Society – Autism Services Directory
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Dorset that can provide support (tip: type ‘Dorset’ into the search bar).
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory also provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support.
Local organisations
Specialist autism charities and services in Dorset provide guidance, support and practical help to autistic children and their families.
Autism Unlimited
Autism Unlimited provides a range of support for autistic children and young people in Dorset. The charity runs Portfield School, a specialist school in Bournemouth for autistic children, and offers specialist autism training to other organisations. In addition, Autism Unlimited runs local campaigns and initiatives to improve education and awareness.
Local Offer websites
The two councils’ Local Offer websites include information and links to a wide range of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include autism. There are separate Local Offer websites for the BCP Council and Dorset Council area.
SENDIass
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offers free, confidential support to families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND. There are separate SENDIASS services for the BCP Council and Dorset Council area.
Dorset Youth – SEND support
This helpful website contains information on a range of organisations that can provide support to autistic children, as well as their families and siblings.
Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC)
DPCC is the parent carer forum for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with SEND in the Dorset Council area. The DPCC’s aim is to make sure the services in their area meet the needs of disabled children and their families. You can also contact them for help or advice if you are worried about your child.
Parent Carers Together (PCT)
PCT is the parent carer forum for parents and carers of children and young people (0-25 years) with SEND in the BCP Council area. PCT gathers the views of local families and works in partnership with local organisations to highlight what is working well or challenge when changes need to be made. PCT also organises groups and workshops for families in the BCP area.
The National Autistic Society – Autism Services Directory
This searchable directory includes details on a range of organisations in Dorset that can provide support (tip: type ‘Dorset’ into the search bar).
Dorset Help and Kindness Directory
This local directory also provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that can provide support.
Support in education
Every autistic child is different and the level and type of support they need in education will vary. For some, it may simply involve the school making certain adjustments to help them to thrive in an educational environment. Others may need dedicated support provided by a member of staff such as a teaching assistant, and some might benefit from the support of a specialist school.
Local Offer websites – education and learning support
The Local Offer websites include a wide range information on support for children and young people in education:
- Dorset Council – Education and learning
- BCP Council – Early education
- BCP Council – Schools and learning
Guide to supporting your child’s special educational needs
This guide explains the support ordinarily available in Dorset education settings, from early years settings to post-16 providers, if a child or young person needs more help to achieve their potential.
National Autistic Society – extra help at school
The National Autistic Society provides a comprehensive guide to how your child might receive additional help for their special educational needs (SEN) in school and further education.
Support in education
Some autistic children and young people may need additional support in school or college to help them fulfil their potential.
Every autistic child is different and the level and type of support they need in education will vary. For some, it may simply involve the school making certain adjustments to help them to thrive in an educational environment. Others may need dedicated support provided by a member of staff such as a teaching assistant, and some might benefit from the support of a specialist school.
Local Offer websites – education and learning support
The Local Offer websites include a wide range information on support for children and young people in education:
- Dorset Council – Education and learning
- BCP Council – Early education
- BCP Council – Schools and learning
Guide to supporting your child’s special educational needs
This guide explains the support ordinarily available in Dorset education settings, from early years settings to post-16 providers, if a child or young person needs more help to achieve their potential.
National Autistic Society – extra help at school
The National Autistic Society provides a comprehensive guide to how your child might receive additional help for their special educational needs (SEN) in school and further education.
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.
Local Offer websites
The councils’ Local Offer websites provide information about local support groups and activities:
- Dorset Council SEND Local Offer – Support networks
- BCP Council SEND Local Offer – Services providing support, information and advice
SENDIASS
SENDIASS can provide information about peer-to-peer groups, drop-in events and activities taking place in your local area:
Dorset Parent Carer Foundation (BCP Council area)
The Dorset Parent Carer Foundation (BCP Council area) is an independent, diverse charity for parents and carers of children with SEND. The charity holds weekly workshops on useful topics, as well as regular coffee mornings and additional network opportunities for parents and carers.
The Umbrella Group (BCP Council area)
The Umbrella Group (BCP Council area) is a parent led support group for parents and carers of children and young people with ASD.
A-Stars (Dorset Council area)
A-Stars is a club for children aged five or over and young adults with autism and their families. The club is based in Weymouth, and prides itself on offering a safe yet stimulating non-judgemental environment for children with autism. All family members are welcome!
ASCape (Dorset Council area)
ASCape is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic and socially anxious children, young adults and their families in West Dorset. They provide a programme of social activities and events, peer support and information for autistic and socially anxious children and young people between the ages of 4-25 years and their families.
Divas and Dudes (Dorset Council area)
Divas and Dudes is an inclusive youth and parenting group supporting neurodiversity, which meets once a month in Poundbury, West Dorset.
Autism Central
Autism Central hosts online and in-person events to support parents and carers, as well as signposting to local activities and groups. Find information on coffee mornings, drop-in sessions, workshops and more on the website.
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.
Peer support
Peer support is when people with shared experiences support one another in a variety of different ways. Autistic children and their families may benefit from 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.
Local Offer websites
The councils’ Local Offer websites provide information about local support groups and activities:
- Dorset Council SEND Local Offer – Support networks
- BCP Council SEND Local Offer – Services providing support, information and advice
SENDIASS
SENDIASS can provide information about peer-to-peer groups, drop-in events and activities taking place in your local area:
Dorset Parent Carer Foundation (BCP Council area)
The Dorset Parent Carer Foundation (BCP Council area) is an independent, diverse charity for parents and carers of children with SEND. The charity holds weekly workshops on useful topics, as well as regular coffee mornings and additional network opportunities for parents and carers.
The Umbrella Group (BCP Council area)
The Umbrella Group (BCP Council area) is a parent led support group for parents and carers of children and young people with ASD.
A-Stars (Dorset Council area)
A-Stars is a club for children aged five or over and young adults with autism and their families. The club is based in Weymouth, and prides itself on offering a safe yet stimulating non-judgemental environment for children with autism. All family members are welcome!
ASCape (Dorset Council area)
ASCape is a group in Bridport for young people of 0-18 years and the parents of all children who struggle with autism and social anxiety. The group facilitates peer support for parents and carers.
Divas and Dudes (Dorset Council area)
Divas and Dudes is an inclusive youth and parenting group supporting neurodiversity, which meets once a month in Poundbury, West Dorset.
Autism Central
Autism Central hosts online and in-person events to support parents and carers, as well as signposting to local activities and groups. Find information on coffee mornings, drop-in sessions, workshops and more on the website.
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.
Online networks
Many of the groups listed in our peer support section have Facebook pages and online communities.
Talk About Autism
Talk About Autism is an online community for parents and carers of children with autism, managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
The Ambitious Youth Network
The Ambitious Youth Network is an online space for autistic young people aged 13-25 to be themselves. It is managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
Online networks
In addition to face-to-face support and groups, there are a range of online networks and forums that can provide valuable connections and peer support.
Many of the groups listed in our peer support section have Facebook pages and online communities.
Talk About Autism
Talk About Autism is an online community for parents and carers of children with autism, managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
The Ambitious Youth Network
The Ambitious Youth Network is an online space for autistic young people aged 13-25 to be themselves. It is managed by the national charity Ambitious About Autism.
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. There are also a range of ways for young people and families to have their say about services and support.
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
Parent carer forums
Parent carer forums represent parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and offer a range of opportunities to get involved and have your say.
- Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) – Dorset Council area
- Parent Carers Together (PCT) – BCP Council area
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.
Ambitious About Autism participation team
The team work to give young people (aged 16 and over) a voice in different ways, including a youth council and consultancy opportunities.
Advocacy and opportunities to have your say
Advocacy services can help to give autistic children and their families a voice, as well as providing support in difficult situations.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy. There are also a range of ways for young people and families to have their say about services and support.
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
Parent carer forums
Parent carer forums represent parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and offer a range of opportunities to get involved and have your say.
- Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) – Dorset Council area
- Parent Carers Together (PCT) – BCP Council area
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.
Ambitious About Autism participation team
The team work to give young people (aged 16 and over) a voice in different ways, including a youth council and consultancy opportunities.
Emotional health and wellbeing
Particular circumstances can sometimes lead autistic people to experience increased stress, anxiety or other difficulties for which mental health support can help.
Directory of mental health support for young people
The Dorset Youth website includes information about organisations that provide mental health support to young people in Dorset.
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
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
In some cases, autistic children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties may be supported by CAMHS.
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Emotional health and wellbeing
Autism is not a mental health condition, but autistic children and young people may need support with their emotional health just like others do.
Particular circumstances can sometimes lead autistic people to experience increased stress, anxiety or other difficulties for which mental health support can help.
Directory of mental health support for young people
The Dorset Youth website includes information about organisations that provide mental health support to young people in Dorset.
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
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
In some cases, autistic children and young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties may be supported by CAMHS.
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Assessment and diagnosis
Find out more about autism assessments in Dorset, including the assessment process, different assessment routes and diagnostic criteria.
“Remember you’re only human – you can’t be super-mum or super-dad all the time”
Zoe, West Dorset
More helpful information
Support for autistic young people
Online networks, peer support, emotional health, preparing for adulthood and more
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings
Members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community explain what helps them to maintain supportive family relationships
