Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. According to the National Autistic Society, one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.​​

In June 2022, the Integrated Care System (ICS) Nottingham and Nottinghamshire all age autism strategy [PDF] was published. This document is also available as an easy read version with symbols [Word] and an easy read version without symbols [Word]. Work is currently being undertaken within the Integrated Care System to implement the priorities of the local strategy. Regular updates on this strategy will be added to this page.

Getting a diagnosis

The NHS has some useful advice about how you can get a diagnosis for an adult or a child.

The Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS) is also an autism and ADHD diagnostic service.

Autism Information and Advice service

Citizens Advice Bureau Mid Mercia provides a wide range of support for anyone in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. This service can be accessed by people who are waiting for a diagnosis or have had a diagnosis, families, carers, health and social care workers and professionals. There are a number of ways to access their service:

  • People can self refer or make a referral on behalf of someone either by completing a form on their website, email or phone
  • Their website provides a single point of access to timely, accessible, up to date information
  • People can engage through their Facebook and Instagram page
  • Or you can get involved by joining the Autism Alliance – a space for members of the autistic community, their families, friends and carers, along with professionals to come together, share experiences and feed into the development of autism strategy and services in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County

Finding Work

The Employment Training Hub can offer support to autistic adults to get them ready for paid employment.

The Council’s i-work team can support autistic adults to find employment.

Care and Support

If you think you need care and support from us visit our care and support in Nottinghamshire page for more information. You will need to have a care and support assessment to find out if you are eligible for care and what type of support we can provide. 

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