Support for autistic children and young people, those on the autism pathway, and those with social, communication and interaction needs and their families.
Bristol Autism Team (BAT) support in education settings
The Bristol Autism Team (BAT) provide specialist, tailored advice to support all staff in education settings. BAT supports children and young people from the age of 4 to 18 who:
- have a formal autism diagnosis
- are on the pathway to an autism diagnosis
- have social, communication and interaction needs
We support these children and young people through mainstream:
- primary school
- secondary school
- post 16 education settings
We also support children under the age of 4 with a formal autism diagnosis through early years settings such as nurseries and pre-school.
The BAT offers mainstream education settings:
- a named BAT link from early years through to post 16 (sixth form and college)
- key referral points through the academic year to refer children and young people, from the referral we'll provide specialist autism support and advice which includes understanding strengths and needs including provision recommendations
- nationally recognised training for all mainstream settings by The Neuroinclusive Network (formerly Autism Education Trust training), a partner of the National Autistic Society
- advice for parents and carers through our online referral system, which parents and carers can access by emailing bristol.autism.hotline@bristol.gov.uk, or through the BAT link for your education setting
For information and advice, email bristol.autism.hotline@bristol.gov.uk
Get BAT support for an autistic child or young person at their education setting
SENDCOs can refer children from reception age upwards to the Bristol Autism Team (BAT). Each setting refers a specific number of children and young people depending on the setting's size and needs.
Children in early years settings must have been referred to the Early Years Portage and Inclusion Service.
How the support works
The education setting refers the child or young person in discussion with the young person themselves, where appropriate, and with parents and carers.
Parents and carers are asked to give their own views about the referral, alongside consent and the child or young person's views.
BAT use the referral to understand:
- what's working well
- what has already been tried
- what the presenting needs are
- how we can best work towards a shared outcome
A BAT specialust will visit and work with the education setting staff to provide:
- targeted advice and support
- enhanced advice and support
Targeted advice and support
- A short observation of the child or young person, and talk to them if appropriate.
- Liaise with key staff working with the child or young person to gather further information about the 3 main needs they've identified in the referral. Also use the information provided by the child or young person and family.
- A report detailing the information gathered and next steps, including any provision recommendations or training support identified.
Enhanced advice and support
- An in-depth strength and needs analysis using a person-centred approach with key educational staff, the child or young person and family.
- An observation of the child or young person.
- A detailed report with SMART outcomes, detailing the provision the education setting needs to put in place to achieve the outcomes and, where applicable, any training.
- Where required, a training package to support the educational staff in providing strategies identified within the BAT report.
- A timely review for recommendations and progress towards the agreed outcomes.
Support outside education settings
National Autistic Society (NAS)
The UK's largest autism support charity with lots of advice and guidance. Visit National Autistic Society or call 0808 800 4104.
They have a Bristol branch which supports their members, most of whom are parents of autistic people. They provide:
- parent-led exclusive access play opportunities for families
- guest speakers on topics related to autism
- book and resources that parents may borrow
For more information on the Bristol branch visit NAS Bristol Branch.
Bristol Autism Team (BAT) Family Learning Courses
The Bristol Autism Team (BAT) offers family learning courses, which you can access through a referral process.
These courses offer:
- information and advice on autism
- information on ways to support your child
- opportunities to meet other parents or carers
- information and signposting to services and benefits
Bristol Autism Team Family Support at Home
Additional support can be offered to families who are or who wish to attend our family courses.
The criteria for referral is:
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family of a child or young person (0 to 18) with a Social Communication Interaction need including Autism
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and unable to access support though one of our family courses and require the content or support offered within a course delivered in a different way
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or a need is identified on a family learning course to embed specific strategies approaches within the family home.
Anyone can make a referral including:
- parents or carers
- school based professionals (such as SENDCos, speech and language therapists and specialist teachers)
- social care professionals
- mental health or health professionals
- charities and community groups
Permission must be gained from the parent or carer to make a referral.
We also offer advice and support to services working with families with an autistic child, or a child with social, communication and interaction needs
We are looking to further develop our offer to support best practise within Children Services for Autism Children and Young People, this may include professional development or training, drop-ins and networking meetings. We'll share these devlopments in the coming months.
Advice and support for autistic girls
- National Autistic Society: autistic women and girls
- Nasen: Girls and autism
- Auti-Ms: Girls have Autism too! Go to https://www.girlshaveautismtoo.org.uk/ (opens new window)
- Neon Daisy: for autistic girls or those who find socialising tricky, their Facebook page promotes events run by parents and carers
Short breaks for disabled children
You can find information about the different types of short breaks available to disabled children and their families.
Holiday activities with the Bristol Autism Project
FACE, a youth and community charity based in Filton run the Bristol Autism Project. This is a holiday activities programme for 4 to 18 year olds who live in Bristol. The activities are also open to siblings and family members.
Families must be a member of the Bristol Autism Project to sign up for their holiday activities. Fill in the registration form and email it to bap@facecharity.org.uk
Bristol Autism Support (BAS)
A not for profit social enterprise. It provides information, support and training for parents and carers of autistic children, either diagnosed, undiagnosed or suspected in:
- Bristol
- North Somerset
- South Gloucestershire
There are more support services for parents on Advice and support for parents and carers page.
