Autism

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) can cause difficulties with communication and social skills, resulting in poor social and health outcomes. More than one out of every 100 people has autism. Autism is often called a 'hidden disability' because you cannot always tell that someone has autism just by looking at them. Autism lasts for all of a person's life. Some people with autism find it difficult to;

• tell people what they need, and how they feel
• meet other people and to make new friends
• understand what other people think, and how they feel.

Not everyone with autism spectrum conditions will find these things difficult as everyone is different.

Working Well Trust provides group and individual support to adults (age 18+) with an Autism Spectrum Condition. For support and guidance with employment - contact: Working Well Trust on 0207 143 4044 or by email at kingston@wwtrust.co.uk.

National Autistic Society is the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and services, and campaign for people with autism.

For more information about advice and support available in Kingston, please visit Connected Kingston.

Update 2023

We have been working with our partners to assess and understand what we can do to ensure we meet best practices and to develop a refreshed Autism strategy and approach to neurodiverse conditions. We are keen to work with individuals with lived experience and their families to shape our approach.

Some of our areas of focus will be to -

• Continue NHS-led work on improving the Autism and neurodiverse pathways for children and young people
• Refresh training and skills for health and care practitioners
• Develop an all-age plan for Kingston that sets out and tracks meaningful actions against strategic priorities
• Arrange a local Autism Partnership Board that will have oversight of our action plan

As our partnership approach and action plan is developed, we will look to update this website.