Salisbury Support 4 Autism

12/12/2025

The National Autistic Society’s Empowering Autistic Travel project looked at how autistic people experience trains, buses and taxis, and what would make journeys easier.

The findings highlight real barriers like noise, sudden changes, and unclear information, and share practical suggestions for more autism-friendly travel.

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/who-we-are/research/empowering-autistic-travel

The National Autistic Society’s Research team carried out a year-long research project about travel for autistic adults.

11/12/2025

The National Autistic Society has clear advice on how autistic people, families and carers can ask services (including the NHS) to make reasonable adjustments, for example, changing how information is given, or adapting appointment times or environments.

They even share example phrases to use when contacting a service.

You can read their guidance here:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/seeking-help/asking-for-reasonable-adjustments

A guide to on what reasonable adjustments are, what adjustments have helped other autistic people, and how to ask for adjustments you might need.

10/12/2025

The National Autistic Society has created My Health Passport, a document autistic people can use to let hospital staff know about: how they communicate, what causes distress, and what helps things go more smoothly.

Filling it in before an appointment or hospital stay can help staff understand the person better and make reasonable changes to support them.

You can find the passport and guidance here:

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/my-health-passport

05/12/2025

🔎 Did you know many autistic adults are never diagnosed?

New research suggests up to 9 in 10 autistic people over 40 in the UK may not have a formal diagnosis.

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/up-to-90-of-middle-aged-and-older-autistic-adults-are-undiagnosed-in-the-uk-new-review-finds?

That means many face life challenges alone, without proper understanding or support.

Let’s spread awareness and make sure help is available, regardless of age.

89 to 97 per cent of autistic adults aged 40+ years are undiagnosed in the UK, according to the largest review of its kind. The review indicated that middle-aged and older autistic adults are facing higher rates of mental and physical health conditions than non-autistic adults of the same age, along...

04/12/2025

A 2025 UK study shows autistic brains are different, not “broken”.

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/news/2025/august/dmu-brain-scan-study-finds-physical-evidence-that-autism-is-a-difference-and-not-a-deficit.aspx?

That difference brings unique ways of thinking, feeling, and processing worth understanding and supporting with respect.

Ground-breaking research led by scientists at DMU has found neurobiological evidence that autistic brains work differently, not worse.

03/12/2025

Recent UK research shows about 1 in 100 adults are autistic, the same as previous estimates.

That means many people around us may benefit from understanding, flexibility and autism-friendly practices in work, health and daily life.

28/11/2025

📄 Did you know?

The NHS has a legal duty to ask people about their communication needs and provide information in a format they can understand.

It’s part of the Accessible Information Standard.

For autistic adults, this could mean:

- clearer written information
- simple language
- more time during appointments
- communication support based on individual needs

These needs must be recorded and supported by NHS and adult social care services.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/accessible-information-standard/

NHS England » Accessible information standard

27/11/2025

💙 Have you heard of the Health Adjustment Passport?

It’s a Government document that helps people with a disability or health condition explain what support they may need at work.

For autistic adults, it can make it easier to talk to employers about the adjustments that help them feel comfortable and supported in their role.

You can find it here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-adjustment-passport

This form can be used to support you to identify what help and changes are available to help you move into work or stay in a job.

26/11/2025

💙 Did you know?

Autistic adults with a learning disability can get a free Annual Health Check at their GP surgery.

These longer, calmer appointments help:

- Pick up health issues early
- Build confidence with healthcare
- Make sure reasonable adjustments are in place

If someone you support hasn’t had one, you can ask their GP to add them to the learning disability register.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/annual-health-checks/

People with a learning disability often have poorer physical and mental health than other people. An annual health check can help by spotting problems sooner.

22/11/2025

🏃 Exercise supports wellbeing, but not every environment feels accessible.

Some autistic adults prefer quieter spaces, predictable routines, or solo activities like walking or swimming.

Small adjustments help make movement enjoyable for everyone.

💬 What kind of activity helps you or someone you support feel good?

21/11/2025

💙 Every bit of progress deserves to be celebrated.

Whether it’s mastering a new skill, finding calm in a routine, or feeling more confident day by day, growth takes time and patience.

With the right support, amazing things happen.

19/11/2025

🦷 Dental appointments can be challenging for some autistic adults.

Things like bright lights, new sensations, or busy waiting rooms can feel overwhelming.

Planning ahead and using calm, predictable routines can help make appointments easier.

Helpful ideas:

- Ask for a quieter time of day
- Request clear explanations before each step
- Bring a familiar item for comfort

Everyone deserves stress-free healthcare.