Priorities, needs and support as experienced by autistic people

5 minutes Written by
Brain in Hand 17th September 2024

Older man with glasses smiling, accompanied by statistics: 48% of autistic individuals found the process of accessing professional support overwhelming, and 51% of 18-24 year olds have accessed NHS mental health support, compared to just 21% of those over 45.

We surveyed 413 autistic individuals and 297 supporters to understand their challenges and priorities. Findings reveal that only 27% of autistic individuals receive professional support, with managing mental health and overwhelm being top concerns. The results highlight disparities in support access based on age and employment, emphasising the need for simplified, tailored resources to better meet the needs of autistic people.