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Autistic children and young people feel marginalised and isolated.

A lack of appropriate support in schools means many autistic pupils are missing from classrooms. Four out of five autistic young people experience poor mental health. Employment prospects are bleak with only 29% of autistic people in full or part-time work. 

Stand with us to create a world where every autistic child and young person can reach their potential.

 

How your support can make a difference

£5 could help parents and carers experiencing challenging situations access vital information and support through our Talk about Autism online platform. 

£10 could buy seeds and gardening equipment for our horticulture programme. Our ‘Seed to Sell’ initiative helps autistic children and young people enjoy time outdoors and develop their entrepreneurial spirit.

£30 could reduce loneliness and isolation through an online peer support session run by our Ambitious Youth Network.

£50 could support a family in crisis. Our family support team provide telephone advice and guidance on welfare, health, and legal matters.

£100 could provide autistic young people with one-to-one careers information and guidance. With very few autistic people in employment, providing this support is vital to accessing the workplace.

Taylor’s story

Having finished his studies at a mainstream college, Taylor was struggling with his mental health and becoming more isolated. 

With the support of Ambitious about Autism, Taylor took part in our supported internships programme, run by Ambitious College, at a North London hospital. Taylor completed taster days with various departments and chose the porter’s team for his first rotation.

Taylor said, “We wear staff lanyards and are treated like every other staff member. Certain things are expected of us, for example, helping and speaking to patients. This took a bit of time to learn but now I am confident.”  

Now working as a paid porter, Taylor has drastically improved his overall quality of life. 

Taylor’s mum adds, “His confidence has grown tenfold. He travels to work every day independently, speaks to patients from all different backgrounds, and loves his job. It’s just amazing!”