top of page
Search

Navigating Formal Support After an Autism Diagnosis

Receiving an autism diagnosis—whether for yourself or your child—can bring a mix of relief, questions, and uncertainty about what comes next. One of the biggest concerns many people face is understanding what formal support is available.


The truth is, having a diagnosis does not automatically entitle you to professional support. Instead, the help you receive will depend on an assessment of your individual needs. This support may come through education, work, social care, or financial benefits. Below, we’ll walk through the different types of support you may be able to access and how to take the next steps if you’re struggling to get what you need.

 

National Guidelines: What to Expect After Diagnosis


In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) outline what should happen after a diagnosis.

  • You or your child should be allocated a named key worker— The key worker can be a member of any relevant team, and sometimes may be your GP. 

  • A personalised plan should be developed based on strengths, challenges, and specific needs across areas such as education, employment, and social care.

  • The plan may also include:

    • Support for family and carers

    • Guidance on co-occurring conditions (like ADHD or learning disabilities)

    • A risk management plan for those with complex needs

    • Planning for life transitions (e.g., moving schools or from child to adult services)


Importantly, newly diagnosed autistic people should also be told about their right to a social care needs assessment, potential financial support, and local community resources.


 

 

Social Care Support


Social care is there to help with daily living—whether that’s occasional support at home or 24/7 specialist care.

  • To access this, you’ll need a social care assessment, which can be requested by parents, carers, or autistic individuals themselves.

  • An assessor (often a social worker or occupational therapist) will discuss daily routines, communication, and support needs.

  • Assessments are based on needs, not diagnosis—so you don’t have to wait for a confirmed autism diagnosis to request one.

 

Employment Support


Finding Work


If you’re job-hunting, look for employers signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme, which guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the job criteria.

You can also:

  • Book an appointment with a Disability Employment Advisor at Jobcentre Plus.

  • Explore support through charities and free resources, such as autism-specific employment training modules.


Adjustments at Work


Employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments so autistic employees aren’t disadvantaged. These will vary, but may include:

  • Written instructions or task lists

  • Breaking big projects into smaller steps

  • Advance notice of changes

  • Flexible working hours

  • A workplace mentor or “passport” that helps colleagues understand your needs


If you feel adjustments would help, speak with your manager to discuss what’s reasonable for your workplace.

 

Financial Support and Benefits


Living with a disability often comes with extra costs, and there are benefits designed to help cover these.

Depending on age, autistic people may be eligible for:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP): for adults aged 16 to state pension age

  • Attendance Allowance: for those over pension age

  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA): for children under 16 (with a transfer to PIP at 16)


Eligibility is based on how the condition affects daily living—not the diagnosis itself.

 

Support in Education


School Support


Sharing a diagnosis with your child’s school can help staff provide appropriate support. This may include:

  • Creating or updating a support plan

  • Regular meetings with teachers or SEN staff

  • Involving the young person in discussions about their needs


In England, children who need extra help in school are considered to have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Some may require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for more structured support.


Further and Higher Education


For students moving into further or higher education, support continues through:

  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): covers study-related needs

  • Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 (such as extra exam time, quiet spaces, or alternative group work formats)


Young people up to age 25 may also keep their EHCP while in further education.

 

Final Thoughts


An autism diagnosis is an important step—but it’s just the beginning of the journey. Support is not automatic, and the type you receive will depend on your needs and the assessments carried out.


Whether it’s through social care, education, employment, or financial support, there are systems in place to help autistic people and their families thrive. If you’re not getting the help you need, don’t be afraid to ask questions, request assessments, and push for the support you’re entitled to.

 

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page