Where to find advice and support for autistic people.

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to others.

The National Autistic Society website Go to https://www.autism.org.uk/ (opens new window) has information on:

  • what autism is
  • diagnosing autism

Support for autistic adults

The Bristol Autism Spectrum Service (BASS) offers support and advice for adults diagnosed with autism living in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.

They provide services, including:

  • a weekly group advice service in each area, for things like problem solving and mindfulness
  • regular courses on understanding autism and anxiety, alongside workshops
  • targeted one to one sessions
  • autism link workers supporting individuals to access the community and social opportunities
  • social work support to help with benefits, housing, and referrals to social care
  • signposting to other services, like employment, housing, talking therapy
  • support to carers
  • support to mental health professionals working with you

If you would like to access BASS post diagnostic support, you will need to send them a copy of your autism diagnostic report to awp.bass@nhs.net

Or post a copy to:

BASS Autism Services 
The Petherton Resource Centre 
Petherton Road 
Hengrove 
Bristol  
BS14 9BP

BASS have also produced autism specific guides to help with mental health, money, wills and trusts, benefits, employment, housing and social care.

To request any of the guides or to find out more, contact BASS:

Support for carers of autistic adults

Find information about support for carers on our carers page.

The National Autistic Society Avon branch offers support to carers of autistic adults.

Support for autistic children and young people

We have a range of services that support autistic children and young people and their parents. 

Find out more on the: 

The National Autistic Society Bristol branch offers support to parents or carers of autistic children.

What we need to do and change

We commissioned a report, produced by Sir Stephen Bubb, to help Bristol become a more welcoming place for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

Related links