Autism

What is Autism?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder, sometimes known as autism, is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people.

For more information about autism visit the National Autistic Society's website.

If you live in Tower Hamlets and would like to know more about a diagnosis of autism, please contact your doctor for a referral.

Can I get help if I have autism?

Adults who have been diagnosed with ASD and their carers who are resident of Tower Hamlets may be eligible for support.

We will carry out an assessment of both individuals and carers wherever they have needs, regardless of whether they are expected to be eligible for support from the council.

The support we provide covers a wide range of needs and includes:

• a carer assessment and support plan
• person-centred planning
• community integration into mainstream services
• support with the housing process
• communication skills support
• new skills development
• independent advocacy
• signposting or referral to relevant services - for example physical health, mental health and other community and council departments
• social groups.

There's lots of support available to autistic adults. To find out what support services are available to support adults with autism, please visit Community Directory.

What are our future plans to help autism?

The council is committed to raising awareness of autism. Our 2017/22 Autism Strategy sets out how the council, health services and others plan to support autistic adults and what priorities we're working towards.