Organization
National Autistic Society(NAS)
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for autistic people and their families, founded in 1962 and now running schools, supported living services, and campaigns across all four nations to champion a better understanding of autism. It provides information, specialist services, and professional training at national scale.
About
Founded in 1962 by a group of parents who recognised that autistic children and adults were overlooked by mainstream social care and education, the National Autistic Society (NAS) has grown into the UK's largest autism charity. Over 3,000 people work for the NAS across its specialist schools, supported living services, and national offices in London, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What They Do
NAS operates specialist autism schools and further education colleges, supported living and employment programmes, and a national information helpline. It runs the annual World Autism Acceptance Week campaign, trains professionals in education, healthcare, and criminal justice in autism awareness, and lobbies government for autism-specific legal protections and improved access to diagnosis and post-diagnostic support services.
Who They Serve
Autistic people of all ages in the United Kingdom — including those with co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities — as well as their families, carers, and the professionals who support them.
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