Autism Helpline: service for people with ASDs and their families

0845 070 4004

Open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm

Our Autism Helpline provides impartial and confidential information, advice and support to people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. The Helpline is staffed by advisers who are able to talk about the range of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related issues in depth.

In addition the Helpline can:

• provide details of local support
• send out information packs on autism and Asperger syndrome in children and adults
• provide information sheets on a variety of key issues related to ASD
• offer access to Language Line interpreters for callers whose first language is not English. For more information on this service in a number of languages, including Albanian, French, Polish, Portuguese and Welsh, please see the 'Related resources' section at the bottom of this page.

What help can the Autism Helpline offer?

The Autism Helpline:

• Has advisers available to talk through autistic spectrum disorders and related issues in depth
• Provides information packs and information sheets on specific subject areas. Many of these are also available on the website.
• Supplies details of local support groups and branches, and can sign post on to other organisations
• Carry out searches and provide lists of references on specific topics from Autism Data, the NAS database of over 15,500 records of books, journal articles and videos on autism.

Some of the things we are most frequently asked are:

• What is autism?
• What is Asperger syndrome?
• How to get a diagnosis for a child or adult
• How to help with a child's behaviour
• How to access respite
• How to get extra help at school
• How to get help with employment.

Is there anything the Autism Helpline cannot help with?

The Autism Helpline cannot:

• Advise on legal issues. However the Helpline may be able to give you details of solicitors or law societies that may be able to help with legal matters.
• Advise on medical issues. For example the Helpline could not advise you on medication; however the Helpline may be able to put you in touch with professionals who can help with this.
• Offer counselling. However the Helpline may be able to put you in touch with counsellors who can help you.

What our callers say about the service

"I have always found the Helpline service excellent. The staff are knowledgeable, empathetic and realistic."

"I found the Helpline extremely helpful providing information and sensible advice at a time when we were feeling confused and even frightened. Many thanks."

"The woman I spoke to was knowledgeable, understanding and extremely helpful. Also the fact sheets received were informative and comprehensive. Thanks very much."

Quality information, advice and support

The National Autistic Society is a member of the Telephone Helpline Association, and we strive to provide a high quality service through the Helpline.

We receive over 30,000 enquiries a year, and while we try to respond promptly there are occasions when our lines become very busy and you may not be able to get through immediately. Please try to telephone us again if you don't get through immediately, or use our email enquiry service.

If you have any comments, criticisms or complaints about the Helpline please write to the Helpline Manager, The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG.

Enquiries from overseas

The Helpline is happy to provide general information about autistic spectrum disorders to people all over the world. The NAS can not however advise on the availability of specialist services for people with an autistic spectrum disorder in other countries.

Confidentiality and data protection

For training and quality purposes there may be occasionally another person listening to your call. The personal data you provide will be used for administration, statistical and other purposes connected with the NAS and autism. Information is not disclosed to third parties for marketing or other purposes not connected with autism. Technical and organisational measures are taken to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or disclosure of information.

Further information

The Helpline has an expertise and thorough understanding of most areas in the UK, however it is our policy to provide the best quality local information and may at times refer enquirers on to other organisations. We cannot guarantee the service of other organisations we refer on to.

We also offer a Welfare Rights Service, which can give you information about benefits and entitlements. Follow the link below to find out more.

Related resources

• Helpline email service
  

• Helpline - what we do (PDF)
  Information sheet on the work of the Autism Helpline for people with autistic spectrum disorders, their parents/carers or family members.

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