Organisation Details

Description

The National Autistic Society (NAS) 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. The NAS was founded in 1962 by a group of parents and people with a professional interest in autism. Today, the Society has become the UK’s foremost charity for people with autism, including Asperger syndrome, and for their parents and carers. The organisation works in many areas to help people with an autistic spectrum disorder live their lives with as much independence as possible. The NAS raises awareness, offers support and provides information. It:

• runs the Autism Helpline, 0845 070 4004, for parents, carers, professionals and people with autistic spectrum disorders •supports local groups and families around the UK
• organises volunteering schemes, such as befriending and parent-to parent schemes, and social groups for people with an ASD •offers advice and advocacy for special educational needs
• publishes a range of books and leaflets, maintains an information-rich website www.autism.org.uk as well as a directory of autism services www.info.autism.org.uk, raises awareness and creates a better understanding of autism
• maintains a library available to parents and researchers by appointment
• provides information and consultancy to professionals and organisations working in the field of autism as well as organising conferences and training programmes.

The NAS also provides services. It:

•  runs schools and adult centres
• supports local authorities in the development of their own specialist services
• offers specialised diagnosis and assessment services
• offers an accreditation programme for a wide range of autism-specific education and care services
• runs Prospects, a supported employment service, for adults with an autistic spectrum disorder
• campaigns to improve services for autism in Westminster, the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.

The autism helpline number is 0845 070 4004

Address:

• National Autistic Society
• 393 City Road
• London
• EC1V 1NG


• Telephone: 0207 833 2299
• Website: http://www.nas.org.uk/