Autism and Asperger's syndrome are developmental disabilities that affect over 1% of the population. These conditions can affect social interaction, communication and language.
People with autism:
- share certain difficulties but their condition can affect them in different ways
- can sometimes live independently but often require a lifetime of specialist support
Social care support for autism
Contact our Adult Social Services team for support to help you stay independent and make realistic choices about the help you need.
We'll assess your needs and eligibility through an assessment of need. We don't charge for assessments, but we may ask you to make a contribution towards any support we arrange.
If you're a carer, request a carer’s assessment to find out about how you could also access support.
Healthcare support for autism
Talk to your GP as a first step if you'd like to be referred for an autism diagnosis. They could also refer you to support from secondary mental health services.
These services are provided by the Leeds and York NHS Partnership Foundation Trust. Contact the Single Point of Access team on telephone: 01904 722303 or 722304.
Employment support for autism
Contact Job Centre Plus who can arrange an appointment with a Disability Employment Adviser to help you into work.
Visit the Access to Work website for information to help you overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job.
Education support for autism
Check individual university and college websites for information about open days or to arrange a meeting with Student Support Officers.
Ask about extra help you may be entitled to if you have a diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Condition, such as Asperger's Syndrome.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) for Higher Education students
Contact Student Finance England for information about applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) funding once you have an offer of a place at university or college.
Contact the Higher York Access Centre at York St John University once you've received confirmation that you're eligible for DSA. This Access Centre can be used by anyone with an offer of a place at any Higher Education institution in the UK.
Contact details for other Higher Education institutions in York:
- Askham Bryan College - May Houseman, telephone: 01904 772282 or email: may.houseman@askham-bryan.ac.uk
- York College - Pat Rose, telephone: 01904 770428 or email: prose@yorkcollege.ac.uk
- University of York - Student Welfare Advisers, telephone: 01904 324140 or email: welfareinfo@york.ac.uk
- York St John University - Student Advice Team, telephone: 01904 876540 or email: learningsupport@yorksj.ac.uk
Access to Sport and Leisure Activities
Visit our Disability sports page for information about inclusive sport and active leisure activities.
York’s Autism Strategy
Learn about how we aim to improve services for adults with autism in our All Age Autism Strategy 2017-21.
Our Strategy Group meets quarterly and represents a range of agencies who are working to make York a more inclusive place for people with autism.
For more information, contact our Adults Commissioning and Contracts Team on telephone: 01904 554661 or email: adultscommissioningandcontracts@york.gov.uk.