393 City Road
London
EC1V 1NG

Tel (helpline): 0845 070 4004
Tel: 020 7833 2299
Web: www.autism.org.uk

The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. Formed in 1962 the National Society for Autistic Children was established on the initiative of a group of parents who were later joined by professionally-interested people. The Society changed its name in 1982 to the above. The aims of the Society are as follows:

• To offer families and carers information, advice and support.
• To improve awareness amongst key decision-makers, professionals and the general public.
• To provide training and promote research into autism.
• To develop a range of educational and support services for people with autism.

Activities of the Society include the following:

• Runs a Helpline and information service for people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), their parents, carers and professionally interested people on the nature of autism, the type of services available and interventions.
• Produces a range of literature on autism, including a journal Communication.
• Offers a diagnostic and assessment service.
• Organises a wide range of courses and conferences for parents, carers and practitioners.
• Runs a supported employment scheme, 'Prospects', for people with ASD.
• Owns and manages schools offering day, weekly, and termly facilities.
• Runs a voluntary network of befrienders working with people with autism and their families.
• Offers an accreditation scheme for autism specific education and care programmes.

Please contact the Society for further information, including a detailed factsheet on its aims and activities.