Read again: New programme for Autism support

A new initiative, Autism Central, is poised to create a significant impact in England, offering comprehensive support for families and carers of autistic individuals, and it’s a development that your SEND team should not miss

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Health Education England

A new initiative, Autism Central, is set to make a significant impact in England. Commissioned by NHS England, this program aims to support families and carers of autistic individuals. It’s designed to enhance understanding, provide guidance, and enable families to advocate effectively for the rights and accommodations of those they care for within the services they use.

Comprehensive support

Autism Central offers a holistic support system. It includes one-on-one and group sessions, supported by high-quality online learning resources. However, what truly sets it apart is the community it fosters. Families and carers can connect with others through workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings, and virtual meetups.

What makes this program special is the involvement of parents and carers who have first-hand experience in supporting autistic individuals. These peer educators provide guidance and support to others on similar journeys.

Philippa Spicer, senior responsible officer for learning disability and autism at NHS England, highlights the importance of shared experiences: “Talking to people who share similar experiences helps people feel understood and get the help they need.”

Autism Central goes further by empowering families and carers to become peer educators themselves, allowing them to provide support, share knowledge, and guide others through their experiences.

A commitment to autism support

This program reflects the NHS’s commitment to improving health outcomes for autistic individuals. This includes improving assessments and enhancing training for healthcare professionals.

Tom Cahill, national director for learning disability and autism at NHS England, applauds the launch of Autism Central, emphasising the importance of sharing experiences to improve care and support.

A collaborative effort

Autism Central is a joint effort involving ten reputable organizations, including Ambitious about Autism, Autism Alliance, and more.

Ange Neale, a peer educator for Autism Central, shares her motivation: “I found little support or understanding following my children’s diagnosis. Now, I want to empower other parents and carers on their journey.”

Accessing support

The Autism Central website offers a wealth of information, guidance, and events. Users can explore topics such as diagnosis, employment, and mental health, along with resources from trusted partners. The site also helps users locate nearby sessions and access additional learning resources and personal stories from other parents and carers.

For school business leaders, Autism Central offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of autism and the unique needs of autistic students. By engaging with the program, school leaders can themselves foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. Additionally, this is a great resource to direct towards parents and carers within their schools.