Autism

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

I believe in a therapeutic practice that embraces diversity and celebrates our unique neurological differences. This means working with your natural brain patterns rather than against them, focusing on your strengths, and developing strategies that fit your unique way of thinking and processing information.

To quote the great Dr Temple Grandlin. I believe in "Different...Not Less."

Diagnosis/Assessment

NHS Services & Diagnosis

NHS Autism Assessment

Official NHS guidance on getting an autism diagnosis

NHS Autism Assessment Process

What happens during an autism assessment

Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS

ADHD, autism and neurodivergence support services

Bedfordshire NHS Neurodiversity Support

Neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people

Self Assessment Tools for Autism -These are only for general advisory use and do not provide guaranteed results.

So You think you may be Autistic - excellent guide from Jade Farrington with loads of links, with grateful thanks to her for giving permission.

How Therapy Can Help

Research consistently shows that therapy can provide significant benefits for neurodivergent individuals when approaches are properly adapted. Rather than trying to "fix" or "normalize" neurodivergent traits, effective therapy focuses on building on strengths and developing practical strategies for daily life.

Evidence-Based Benefits Include:

Improved Social Skills: Research demonstrates that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) effectively helps autistic individuals better understand social cues and manage social anxiety, while social skills training and group therapy provide opportunities to practice communication in supportive environments
Anxiety & Depression Support: CBT shows medium to large effect sizes in treating co-occurring mental health conditions common in neurodivergent populations. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is also effective for anxiety, helping individuals accept their neurodivergent traits while committing to valued actions
Better Emotional Regulation: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills training helps develop personalized strategies for managing intense emotions, while mindfulness-based interventions support emotional awareness and regulation
Trauma Recovery: Trauma-focused CBT help address past experiences of rejection, bullying, or invalidation that many neurodivergent individuals have experienced
Enhanced Coping Strategies: Multiple therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, and solution-focused therapy help develop practical tools for managing daily challenges, sensory overload, and reducing stress
Masking and Authenticity Support: Therapy helps individuals recognize masking behaviours and develop authentic ways of being, reducing the exhaustion that comes from constantly trying to appear neurotypical
Increased Self-Understanding: Person-centred therapy and narrative therapy support developing positive neurodivergent identity, self-advocacy skills, and understanding how neurodivergence affects life experiences
Family and Relationship Support: Family therapy and couples counselling help improve communication and understanding between neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones
Improved Quality of Life: Studies across multiple therapeutic modalities show meaningful improvements in relationships, work performance, daily functioning, and overall life satisfaction

Autism Links

Ambitious about Autism

ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Support for autistic children and young people, their parents and carers, including:

Education services
Employment programmes
Ambitious Youth Network, a community that helps autistic young people aged 16-25 connect with each other

Equality Advisory & Support Service (EASS)

0808 800 0082 (helpline)
18001 0808 800 0084 (textphone)
equalityadvisoryservice.com
Advice on issues relating to equality and human rights, including guidance for disabled people.

Mencap

0808 808 1111 (Learning Disability Helpline)
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Services include an online community.

National Autistic Society

autism.org.uk
Support and guidance for autistic people and their families. Campaigns for improved rights, services and opportunities. This includes an:

Autism services directory – listing local and national support options
Online autism community – helping autistic people and their families to connect with each other and share experiences
Autism Inpatient Mental Health Service (England) – providing advice to autistic people in England who are detained or about to be detained in a mental health hospital
Guide to asking for reasonable adjustments – providing advice on how to ask talking therapies services to make themselves more accessible.

Real Life Options

01977 781800
reallifeoptions.org
Social support and care for people with learning disabilities and autism. Includes supported living and residential care.

Respond

0207 383 0700
respond.org.uk
Services for people with learning disabilities or autism, who've experienced abuse or trauma.

Scope

0808 800 3333
scope.org.uk
Practical information and emotional support for disabled people.

Shout

85258 (text SHOUT)
giveusashout.org
Confidential 24/7 text service