Autism

Autism (or Autism Spectrum Condition, ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, thinking, and behavior. Autism is a spectrum, so each person’s strengths and challenges vary widely.

Why Awareness and Support Matter

• Early identification and tailored support can help children and adults thrive across education, careers, relationships, and wellbeing.

• Inclusive environments—especially in schools and therapeutic settings—foster a sense of belonging and reduce stress or misunderstanding.

• Autistic people often benefit from reasonable adjustments (e.g. quieter spaces, visual supports, predictable structure).

• Support should be person-centred: what works for one individual may not work for another.

Autism & Play Therapy

Because play is a child’s natural language, play therapy can be a valuable tool for autistic children. In individual or group play therapy, therapists can:

• Offer a safe, scaffolded space for children to express emotions and explore social‐emotional challenges

• Use adapted play approaches (sensory play, structured choices, visual supports)

• Help develop flexibility, emotion regulation, social skills, and self-understanding

• Work in collaboration with caregivers and schools to generalise gains into daily life

Useful UK Resources & Organisations

Below are respected organisations, tools, and platforms you can link to or recommend for further support:

National Autistic Society

Extensive advice & guidance across diagnosis, education, communication, mental health, support networks.

https://www.autism.org.uk/

Autism Services Directory (NAS)

Directory of UK services, support and professionals for autistic people and their families. 

https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory

Autism Education Trust

Resources and guidance for schools on inclusive practices, terminology, design principles.

https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/resources

Resources for Autism

Local services, training, peer support in London & West Midlands.

https://www.resourcesforautism.org.uk/

Child Autism UK

Advice and support for children, families, schools; training and programmes.

https://www.childautism.org.uk/

Autism Central

Information hub, resources about diagnosis, rights, mental health.

https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/

NHS — Autism support

UK’s national health resource: what is autism, how to access support, local offers.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/

Mind — Autism & mental health

Discussion of coexisting mental health needs, how to ask for reasonable adjustments.