A free, one-off service providing information, guidance and signposting about for Autistic people, their Parent’s/Carer’s and Professionals.
The Autism Information and Advice Service provides free, time-limited information and advice to autistic people, their parent/carers and professionals.
This is not a support or case-holding service. Our role is to help you understand your options, explain relevant systems, and signpost you to services that may be able to offer further help.
What this service offers
This service offers:
Clear, impartial information about autism and autism-related difficulties
Guidance to help you understand systems such as education, health, social care, and benefits
Signposting to appropriate organisations, services, and resources
The service is designed to help you feel better informed and clearer about what to do next, so you can take those steps independently.
We can provide information and guidance on topics such as:
Understanding autism and autism-related differences
Autism diagnosis pathways
Education and SEN processes (including EHCP information)
Benefits and welfare information (such as PIP, DLA, and Universal Credit)
Adult social care and support options
Understanding behaviours linked to autism
Finding training, peer support, and community resources
Our advice is general and informational, not ongoing or personalised support.
What this service does not offer
It’s important to understand what this service cannot offer.
We do not:
Provide ongoing or regular support
Hold or manage cases
Advocate on your behalf or attend meetings
Contact other services for you
Provide therapy, counselling, or emotional support
Offer diagnostic opinions or assessments
Guarantee outcomes for applications, appeals, or tribunals
Provide crisis, safeguarding, or emergency support
If you need this type of help, we will explain your options and signpost you to organisations that may be more appropriate.
Who can use the service
You can use this service if:
You are autistic
You do not need a formal autism diagnosis
You are any age (children, young people, or adults)
You are a parent, carer, or professional seeking advice and information related to Autism
We primarily support people living in Norfolk, but we can also provide information and signposting for people in other areas where appropriate. If a refferal is out of county it may take us longer to respond as we will need to research and clarify any information fro services external to Norfolk.
How does this service work?
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Referral
You complete a referral form outlining your situation and your specific question or area of difficulty. -
One-off advice
An Autism Advisor reviews your referral and provides information and guidance, usually by email or phone.If your referral is regarding challenging behaviour, sensory dysrgulation, school refusal or demand avoidance. We may send you additoinal questionnaires to complete to provide us with further information.
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Signposting
Where appropriate, we will suggest organisations, services, or resources that may be able to offer further help. -
Service closure
Once information and signposting have been provided, the enquiry is closed. Any further queries must be made through a new referral.
Before you refer
Please only use this service if you are looking for:
Information or explanation
Help understanding systems or processes
Guidance on possible next steps
If you are seeking ongoing support, advocacy, or crisis help, this service will not be suitable, but we can help you understand where to go instead or clcik here for specific information on services avaible to you.
To access the Autism Information and Advice Service, please complete our referral form.
All referrals must include a clear question or area of information you are seeking, so we can make sure this service is appropriate for your needs.
Our commitment
We aim to provide clear, respectful, and accessible information. While we cannot solve problems for you or stay involved long-term, we will do our best to ensure you leave this service: Better informed, Clearer about your options, more Confident about your next steps.
