After diagnosis, one of the most common feelings is isolation. You've spent years (or decades) navigating a world that wasn't designed for your brain, and now you have a name for it, but the people around you may not understand what that name means. Support groups won't fix everything, but they offer something that no clinician, medication, or self-help book can provide: the experience of being in a room (physical or virtual) with people who genuinely get it.
National ADHD Organisations
ADHD UK runs video-based support groups covering recently diagnosed adults, career support, parenting with ADHD, and other topics. These are structured sessions with a facilitator, not just open chat rooms. The ADHD Foundation provides online and in-person events with a focus on education and awareness alongside peer support.
ADDISS (the Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) runs weekly support groups for adults, with established groups in London and surrounding areas. AADD-UK hosts regular meetups in London and Bristol, alongside an active online community. ADHDadultUK offers peer-led support and coaching, and ADHD Aware runs in-person peer support sessions in Brighton alongside online groups.
National Autism Organisations
The National Autistic Society operates over 80 volunteer-led branches across the UK, offering social groups, information sessions, and local support. There are specific groups for autistic women, LGBTQ+ autistic people, and various interest-based online branches. The NAS also runs a 24/7 online community with over 3,500 active users and dedicated spaces for different topics.
Online Communities
For people who find in-person groups difficult (whether because of social anxiety, sensory issues, geography, or simply preference), online communities provide an accessible alternative. The NAS online community is active around the clock. Discord hosts multiple ADHD and autism servers with real-time chat and voice channels. Reddit's r/ADHDUK and r/AutismUK communities offer discussion forums with UK-specific focus. These aren't substitutes for structured support, but they provide a sense of connection and shared experience that many people find invaluable, particularly in the weeks and months after diagnosis.
Finding Groups Near You
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Check the UK ADHD Partnership's directory of regional support groups, which lists groups across England, Scotland, and Wales.
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Search your local council's SEND Local Offer. Despite the name, many areas include adult ADHD and autism support services alongside children's provision.
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Ask your GP surgery or the team that assessed you. NHS services sometimes run their own post-diagnosis groups, though availability varies widely by area.
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Check whether your local NHS trust runs support groups. Trusts like Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and others offer dedicated ADHD and autism groups.
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Look for regional charities. Organisations like Autism Anglia, Resources for Autism, and local autism hubs often run social groups and peer support sessions.
What to Expect From a Support Group
Formats vary, but most groups follow a similar pattern. There's usually a facilitator who keeps things on track, a chance for each person to share their experience, and discussion around a topic or theme. Some groups are structured (with presentations, guest speakers, or specific themes each session), while others are more informal. Most groups welcome people who prefer to listen rather than speak, and many offer options for camera-off participation in online sessions.
If the idea of a support group feels overwhelming, start with an online community where you can observe before participating. There's no pressure to share your story before you're ready. And if the first group you try doesn't feel right, try another. Groups have different cultures, and finding the right fit sometimes takes a couple of attempts.
Many people find that peer support groups are where they first hear about Access to Work, reasonable adjustments, and other practical support they didn't know existed. The information-sharing aspect can be as valuable as the emotional support.
Sources
ADHD UK: Support groups · ADHD Foundation: Services for adults · ADDISS: Support groups · National Autistic Society: Branches · National Autistic Society: Online community · UK ADHD Partnership: Support groups directory
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