Getting an autism diagnosis as an adult can feel like the system has finally acknowledged your experience, only to then offer very little in the way of follow-up. Research suggests that around 42% of adults receive no post-diagnostic support whatsoever. That's not because support doesn't exist. It's because it's fragmented across multiple agencies, poorly signposted, and varies dramatically by location. This guide maps out what's actually available.
NHS Post-Diagnosis Support
What the NHS offers after diagnosis depends almost entirely on where you live. Some NHS trusts provide post-diagnostic sessions (typically up to 8 appointments) covering psychoeducation about autism, strategies for daily life, and signposting to other services. Others provide a diagnostic report and little else. The NHS autism support page outlines what should be available, though the gap between policy and practice remains wide.
If your NHS trust doesn't offer structured post-diagnosis support, ask your GP to refer you to local mental health services for autism-specific therapy. Waiting times are often long, but getting on the list is a necessary first step. Some areas also offer autism-specific talking therapies through specialist services rather than through general NHS Talking Therapies (which is primarily designed for anxiety and depression).
Your Right to a Social Care Assessment
Under the Care Act 2014, your local authority has a duty to carry out a needs assessment if you appear to have care and support needs. This applies to autistic adults regardless of whether you currently receive any support. The National Autistic Society explains that the assessor must have an understanding of autism (or consult someone who does), the assessment is free, and you can bring a family member, friend, or advocate.
If the assessment identifies eligible needs, the local authority must create a care and support plan. This can include support with daily living, social activities, employment, and managing sensory or communication difficulties. The assessment should be completed within 4-6 weeks according to Ombudsman guidance. Many autistic adults don't know they have the right to request this assessment, so it goes unused.
The Autism Act 2009 places a statutory duty on NHS bodies and local authorities to provide assessment and support for autistic people. If your local authority refuses a needs assessment, cite this legislation and the Care Act 2014. You have a legal right to be assessed.
National Autistic Society Services
The National Autistic Society is the UK's largest autism charity and offers several services for adults. The Autism Helpline (0808 800 4104, Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm, Friday 9am-3pm) provides information and guidance on any autism-related issue. The Autism Services Directory helps you find local services across the UK. Over 80 volunteer-led branches run social groups, information sessions, and peer support. And the online community provides 24/7 access to discussion forums with over 3,500 active members.
Other Autism Charities
Autistica focuses on autism research and has developed free apps including Tips Hub (evidence-based autism resources) and Molehill Mountain (anxiety self-management for autistic people). Ambitious about Autism provides employment support for younger adults (16-25), including paid work experience and coaching. Regional organisations like Resources for Autism, Autism Anglia, and local autism hubs offer counselling, social groups, and practical support. Autism Central, delivered by the Anna Freud Centre and commissioned by NHS England, offers peer education through seven regional hubs.
Access to Work
For autistic adults who are employed or self-employed, Access to Work is often the most impactful support available. The government grant funds specialist coaching, support workers, sensory adjustments, assistive technology, and travel support, up to £69,260 per year. Unlike NHS and local authority support, Access to Work is nationally consistent: the same grant is available regardless of where you live. For many working autistic adults, this is the single most valuable post-diagnosis resource.
Workplace Adjustments
Separately from Access to Work, your employer has a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments. These cost your employer, not you, and can include changes to the sensory environment, communication practices, working patterns, and more. Our guide on reasonable adjustments covers what you can request and how.
Building Your Own Support Network
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Start with the NAS Autism Helpline if you're unsure where to begin. They can signpost you to local services based on your specific needs and location.
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Request a Care Act needs assessment from your local authority. Even if you don't think you need social care, the assessment may identify support you hadn't considered.
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Apply for Access to Work if you're working. The application takes about 30 minutes and the potential return (thousands of pounds in funded support) makes it one of the most efficient steps you can take.
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Join a peer support group. The NAS branch network, online communities, and local autism organisations all provide connection with people who share your experience. Our guide on support groups lists the main options.
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Register with your local authority's autism register if one exists. Some councils maintain registers to plan services and will contact you about local opportunities and consultations.
Sources
NHS: Autism support · National Autistic Society: Help and support · NAS: Social care assessments · GOV.UK: Care Act statutory guidance · Autistica · Autism Central · NAS: Formal support following diagnosis
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