Resources for Autism was founded in 1997 by a group of concerned parents, dismayed by the lack of provision for their autistic children. With a miniscule budget and one play group, the organisation started offering services to a small number of families in Barnet, north London.
From these small beginnings we have grown to serve 2,000 autistic people and 5,000 family members each year across London and now the West Midlands, through playschemes and social groups, one-to-one community and behaviour support, befriending, counselling and play therapy, and parent workshops. What makes us unique is that our practical work is driven by an ethos of getting to know each individual and accepting them exactly as they are. We don’t try to change their behaviour or make them “fit in” – we give them enriching social experiences and support to understand behavioural triggers so that they can maintain good mental health and break out of isolation.

Our vision is a society where autistic people can live fulfilled and happy lives, and as part of this commitment to social change we also provide training, rooted in our ethos and practical experience, to other organisations to help them move beyond simple accommodation of autistic people to genuine inclusion and understanding. You can find out more about this here: https://www.resourcesforautism.org.uk/training/

We understand the complex systems and multiple barriers that autistic people may face, from long social services waiting lists to a complicated benefits system, from schools unable to cope with pupils whose behaviour challenges staff to overstretched mental health services. The need is great - rates of referral to our services have grown by 33% since 2019. We offer support and help to anyone who approaches us, but we need to build our capacity in order to keep pace with the numbers of people who need our help.