Norfolk Autism Acceptance Week

What is Norfolk Autism Acceptance Week?  

Norfolk Autism Acceptance Week takes place every year in March or April. This aligns with World Autism Acceptance Week which aims to increase awareness and acceptance of autism, helping to build a more inclusive world.  

One in 100 people are on the autism spectrum, with around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK alone. Autism can present itself in different ways, and it's important to recognise that not one single autistic person is the same, and all have their own unique personalities and skills.  

As part of Norfolk Autism Acceptance Week 2024, we interviewed children and young people across Norfolk about their experiences of autism.  

Support and guidance

Below is a list of links that includes guidance and information about support services, charities, and training available to families of autistic people.  

• Just One Norfolk support for neurodevelopmental differences - information sheet developed by NHS colleagues that signposts to Norfolk services and support for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  
• Neurodevelopmental services - where to get support for your neurodiverse child. 
• Autism Support Team (EPSS) parent information padlet - a whole host of links about useful topics for families of autistic children.  
• Autism awareness e-learning course - developed by Norfolk Autism Partnership alongside Norfolk County Council.   
• Ambitious About Autism - offers a parent toolkit for navigating the early years autism journey. 
• Attention Autism - an approach by Gina Davis that helps children to understand and respond to a structured, adult-directed routine.  
• Autism Central - peer education programme aimed at families of autistic people that offers information and resources, as well as regular online group sessions and 1:1 support.   
• Family Action ASD/ADHD Support Service - provides advice, guidance and courses for parents and carers. 
• ASD Helping Hands - offers an information and advice service, support groups, training, assessments and resources. 
• Autism Anglia support groups - a comprehensive list of support groups and activity groups for autistic children, young people and adults, as well as their families.  
• Norfolk Autism Partnership events calendar - a selection of events happening across Norfolk for anyone with autism. 
• Short breaks - apply for funding that can be used on activities for children and young people aged 5-17 with disabilities.   
• Family Hubs - provide information, advice and guidance to families as soon as there is a worry.   
• Autism Education Trust (AET) resources - includes parent guides such as working together with your child's school. 
• Provision Expected at Special Educational Needs Support (PEaSS) - the PEaSS guidance sets out what special educational provision and training we expect mainstream schools, academies, free schools, early years and post-16 providers to offer.  
• Autism specialist resource bases (SRBs) - information about SRB placements in mainstream schools that provide autistic pupils with the extra support they might need. 
• The National Autistic Society - access advice and guidance or get involved in fundraising.  
• Autism Anglia Silly Sock Day - wear your silliest socks to get people talking about autism and help to raise vital funds for Autism Anglia!