4. Finding and using services

A worker supporting an Autistic person to eat.

There are many services that support Autistic people.
A person using a computer. They have a thought bubble showing a support worker. Above is a problem icon.

But these services can be hard to find and use.
A man reading a document. He looks confused.

Information about autism and supports can be hard to understand.
A doctor with a speech bubble showing an autism icon. Beside him is a problem icon.

This can make it hard for people when they first get an autism diagnosis.
A person supporting someone. Above is a clock.

This means Autistic people might have to wait a long time to get the support they need.
A group of 3 people of different ages standing together. A support worker is beside them, and there is an information icon above.

Families and carers also need support and information.
A person with their hand raised, and a speech bubble.

Families and carers can feel stressed.

They might feel like they need to speak up for and support the Autistic people in their lives.
A person with their hand raised, and a speech bubble.

They might also worry about getting too old to care for an Autistic person who needs a lot of support.

For example, a friend or family member.
A person with their hand raised, and a speech bubble.

Services should also think about the different ways Autistic people communicate.
2 people sitting at a computer. One is supporting the other, who has a speech bubble.

And they should support Autistic people to communicate in the ways that work best for them.

What we will do

A computer showing an information icon.

We will collect information about supports and services for autism into one place.
A person using a computer. There is a tick above them.

We will make sure the information is easy to:

  • find
  • use.
A worker supporting a government worker. The government worker has a thought bubble showing an autism icon and a tick.

We will also support staff to understand more about autism.
A worker supporting someone. Behind them is a large building with a disability icon on it, and a thumbs up.

We will work with organisations to use research about autism to make their services better.
A group of 4 icons. The first is a thought bubble. The second is a smiling face. The third is a speech bubble. The fourth is a handshake.

We will make sure Autistic people can find and use services that understand how they:

  • think
  • feel
  • communicate
  • understand people.

We will also make sure Autistic people can find and use services that understand their:
A group of people wearing the clothes from their culture.
  • ways of thinking
A group of people doing a cultural dance in traditional clothes.
  • culture.
A group of 4 icons. The first is a person pointing to them self. The second is a thought bubble. The third is two hands together in prayer. The fourth is an icon showing important.

Your culture is:

  • your way of life
  • how you think or act now because of how you grew up
  • your beliefs
  • what is important to you.