Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
Many autistic people are able to live independent lives or require only minimal support, but others may have greater difficulties, including learning disabilities or mental health difficulties requiring specialist support.
You can read more about autism on the NHS website.
To request support from us:
If you wish to request support from us, we first need to assess your needs and financial eligibility.
See: Getting in contact to discuss your needs
Please note - paying for social care
It's important to understand that social care from any local authority, unlike the NHS, is not free. Please read more about what you might need to pay and make sure you're aware of this before requesting or agreeing to any services.
Specialist support
After a care assessment, our specialist team that supports adults with autism is the Adult Learning Disability and Autism Service (ALDAS).
The West London NHS Trust provides an autism assessment and diagnostic service (NHS West London Trust website).
Other support
- Our Community Provisions team provides support to adults with a disability.
- Community access service: Provides a wide range of community-based activities and projects for residents with mild-to-moderate learning disabilities and autism.
- Travel training service: For support to help your travel more confidently.
- Employment opportunities service: Help to find and retain paid employment.
- Prevention, transition and development service: Supports adults with learning disabilities and autism to identify, source and access activities that help them overcome barriers.
- Harlington Care runs an online learning disability support group for carers on behalf of Hounslow Council. See: Carer support groups
- Hounslow Reach - 'Floating support': Assists Hounslow residents, aged 18 and over, who may have mental or physical health needs, or a learning disability.
Other organisations that can offer information, advice and support include:
