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Information and Support

This page hasn't been updated for a while

This page was published in April 2016 and some of the information may now be out of date.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in these programmes, the following organisations may be able to help:

Autism and Asperger syndrome

Ambitious about Autism offers information for parents of children with autism and 16 to 25 year olds, including an on line forum.

Phone: 020 8815 5444

The Autism Education Trust website includes a section called The Den, which provides information for young people on a wide range of topics such as friends and relationships, health and well being and money.

The National Autistic Society provide information, support to people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families

Phone: 0808 800 4104 (Mon-Thu 10am-4pm Fri 9am-3pm )

Research Autism provides information on the problems and challenges of autism and Interventions, treatments and therapies.

Scottish Autism provides services for autism in Scotland, including care, support and education for people with autism, their families and carers.

Phone: 01259 222022

bibic offers practical help to families caring for children who have developmental difficulties including autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, brain injury,dyslexia and Asperger’s syndrome

Phone: 01458 253344

PEAT provides practical behaviour support and training using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to help individuals in Northern Ireland with autism to reach their full potential..

Phone 028 9032 4882

Child Autism UK is a parent-led group providing encouragement, support and information to parents of children with autism in England, Scotland and Wales

Phone: 01344 88 22 48

Autism Northern Ireland supports the needs of people with Autism and their carers in Northern Ireland.

Phone: 028 9040 1729

Down's Syndrome

The Down's Syndrome Association provides advice on best practice for supporting people with Down's syndrome at every stage of life.

Phone: 0333 1212 300

Down's Syndrome Association Northern Ireland provides information and support on all aspects of living with Down’s syndrome, including workshops for young people and residential events.

Phone: 028 9066 5260 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Down’s Syndrome Scotland provides support, information and services to people with Down’s syndrome, their families and carers

Phone: 0131 313 4225 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Downs and Proud is a parent-led organisation providing support and a listening ear for those who want to share their thoughts and experiences.

Tourette Syndrome

Tourettes Action provides confidential and impartial support to adults and children living with Tourette Syndrome.

Phone: 0300 777 8427 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Tourette Scotland provides advice, support and information to people living with Tourette Syndrome in Scotland.

Phone: 0300 11 11 462 (Mon-Thu 9am-8pm)

Disability and employment

Advance provide housing and support for adults with learning disabilities or mental health issues, and employment advice for disabled people.

Phone: 0333 012 4307

Dimensions supports people with learning disabilities and autism in England and Wales including support for people living in their own homes and transition support for young people leaving school or college.

Phone: 0300 303 9001 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Disability Rights UK works to create a society where everyone with lived experience of disability or health conditions can participate equally as full citizens.

Phone 020 7250 3222

Job Centre Plus for information about working / getting into work with a disability, visit your local job centre to speak to a disability advisor.

Information about what financial support is available can be found here:

Mencap work in partnership with people with a learning disability, and provide services to support people to live life as they choose.

Phone: 0808 808 1111 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Family and carers support

Carers Trust provides support for carers, young adult carers and young carers, through a network of carers centres, schemes and interactive online services.

Phone: 0844 800 4361

(all carers)
(16-25 year olds)
(up to 18 year olds)

Carers UK provides support and information to those who look after an older, disabled or seriously ill family member or friend.
Phone: 0808 808 7777 (weekdays 10am-4pm)

Family Lives provides help and support in all aspects of family life, including bullying, special educational needs, and support for specific communities.

Phone: 0808 800 2222 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Weekends 10am-3pm)

FamilyLine offers free confidential support on a wide range of issues.

Phone: 0808 800 5678 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Samaritans is available 24 hours a day for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk where calls are completely confidential.

Phone: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Sibs support siblings who are growing up with or who have grown up with a brother or sister with any disability, long term chronic illness or life limiting condition.

Phone: 01535 645453

SupportLine offers confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults on a wide range of subjects.

Phone 01708 765200.