Autistic Adult Care
Caring for someone on the autism spectrum can present unique challenges, and we are here to provide you with practical guidance, understanding, and empathy. Explore our articles, tips, and groups to connect with others who share similar experiences and to find strength in a network of compassionate individuals who truly understand.
Learn About Autism
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which affects how people communicate and interact with the world and may include challenges with communication, social skills, and sensory processing. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Autism is a spectrum. This means. everyone with autism is different. Many autistic people need little or no support. Others may need help from a parent or carer every day. People on the autism spectrum may have unique strengths and challenges, and their experiences can vary widely.
Caring for someone with autism can be demanding. Taking care of your own well-being and seeking support when needed can help you maintain a healthy balance.
Support and Advice
Discover groups and events tailored exclusively for Caregivers of Adults with Autism. Join us to connect with a supportive community. Additionally, we provide a wealth of valuable resources and useful links to assist you on your care-giving journey.
PAPA Workshops and Carer Groups for Carers of Adults with Autism
Join our friendly group for parents, partner, spouse and friend carers of autistic adults 16+, for support, information and to chat to others and share experiences. PAPA stands for Positive Adult Partnering of Autism. This workshop explores the complexities of living and supporting an autistic adult.
Autism - Carers Online Support Group
14 January 2025 17:30 - 19:00
A supportive, friendly online evening group for parents, partner, spouse and friend carers of autistic adults 16+.
PAPA Workshop 1-Understanding autism
01 February 2025 10:00 - 12:30
The first in a series of workshops with Alongside Autism, exploring complexities of supporting an autistic person (16+)
PAPA Workshop 2 - Communication
01 February 2025 14:00 - 16:30
The second in a series of workshops with Alongside Autism, exploring complexities of supporting an autistic person (16+)
Why Register with Us?
By registering as a Carer, you gain access to diverse free support including tailored guidance, networking with fellow carers, workshops, and local information. For more details, contact us at 0300 028 8888 or info@carerssupport.org.uk.
Specific links to websites providing information and advice for Autism
Use the quick links below to be taken to your section of interest
West Sussex Autism Organisations
West Sussex Council: Click here to visit website
Aspens: Click here to visit website
Aspens offers services and support to autistic adults and children as well as their families and carers. Aspens are currently offering a 30 minute virtual family support clinics.
Autism Support Crawley: Click here to visit website
Autism Support Crawley supports parents and carers of autistic adults and children.
Alongside Autism: Click here to visit website
Alongside Autism offer training and one-to-one sessions to autistic adults. The service can be accessed via groups, one-to-one sessions and via Skype.
Alongside Autism also run the PAPA workshops for us.
Aldingbourne Trust: Click here to visit website
Offers support services, including employment support to autistic people as well as people with learning disabilities.
The Curly Hair Project (CHP): Click here to visit website
An award-winning social enterprise founded by autistic author and entrepreneur Alis Rowe. CHP resources are used by individuals, families and professionals worldwide.(Tangmere) Dementia Support is an exciting local charity working in partnership with
Austism Central – South East Hub: Click here to visit website
Information, support and advice. Group and one-to-one sessions, workshops, drop-ins, coffee mornings and virtual meetings
Diagnosis in West Sussex
West Sussex Neurodevelopmental Service: Click here to visit website
National Autistic Society: Click here to visit website
Mental Health & Autism
The first port of call is to always contact your local GP.
Pathfinder West Sussex: Click here to visit website
Pathfinder provides the following services in Adur, Bognor, Chichester, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Mid Sussex and Worthing:
A single point of access to mental health and wellbeing support
A range of services to support people with their mental health and wellbeing
Advice, information and sign-posting, including clear information about what support is available locally
Access to a clinical service provided by nurses and occupational therapists from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who work alongside other Pathfinder agencies.
Sussex Recovery College: Click here to visit website
Sussex Recovery College offers educational courses about mental health and recovery which are designed to increase your knowledge, skills and promote self-management. These include courses on autism / adhd/ ocd etc.
The National Autistic Society has information on mental health and autism: Click here to visit website
Coastal West Sussex Mind: Click here to visit website
CASS – Counselling and Autism Spectrum Support: Click here to visit website
CASS is a counselling service designed to help those on the autistic spectrum and to assist their families, friends, teachers and other supporters.
Employment Support
Work Aid: Click here to visit website
Impact Workability: Click here to visit website
Advocacy
Impact Advocacy: Click here to visit website
Benefits
We have a Benefits advice and support page you can visit by clicking here
National Autistic Society: Click here to visit website
Advice Now have some good information: Click here to visit website
