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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Health and wellbeing
    3. Regional autism information service

    Autism support services

    If you or a family member is autistic, or waiting for the results of an autism assessment, support is available.

    Support groups in Northern Ireland

    There are a number of organisations providing support in local communities across Northern Ireland. 

    This includes:

    • an early intervention service
    • support for adults
    • support for children and young people
    • support for parents and carers
    • family support
    • autistic peer networks for different age groups

    Find the right support for you at:

    • Help and support
    • Autism services directory

    Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) offer individual support and signposting to:

    • employment
    • education
    • benefits
    • housing
    • autism services

    Find services in your Trust area at:

    • Belfast HSC Trust – directory of services
    • Connect North - Northern HSC Trust
    • Northern HSC Trust - individual support for autistic adults
    • Southern HSC Trust - autism services
    • Western HSC Trust

    Family support

    Family support services that can offer extra support if you have a child with autism:

    • Family Support NI
    • Sure Start services
    • Support hubs
    • Middletown Centre for Autism

    Social care and welfare benefits

    Depending on the impact autism has on your daily life and independent living, you may be eligible for extra support, such as a paid carer, respite services or disability benefits.

    Find out more at:

    • Ill, injured or living with a disability
    • Support available for adults in Northern Ireland

    JAM card

    If you have invisible disabilities, or communication issues, a JAM Card is an easy and discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support.

    Show your JAM Card when you need a little extra time or help to reduce stress in social situations such as:

    • public transport
    • shopping
    • hospitals
    • in the workplace

    More details are available at:

    • JAM card

    Resources

    Autism NI also offers a range of factsheets and resources for autistic people, parents, carers, professionals and family members.

    These include:

    • sensory activities
    • anxiety resources

     

     

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    Regional autism information service

    • Autism and driving
    • Autism and recreation
    • Autism and the justice system
    • Autism and your health
    • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
    • Autism support services
    • Getting an autism assessment and diagnosis
    • Understanding autism

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