Autism and adult life

Looking after your health

If you’re autistic you may need support to:

• eat healthily and stay active
• sleep well
• look after your mental health, including managing anxiety or depression
• manage other conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning disabilities and epilepsy
• cope with going to health appointments, such as with a doctor, dentist or optician
• manage autistic fatigue (burnout)

Going to college or university

If you’re autistic and going to college or university, you can:

• find out what special educational needs (SEN) support is available at your college or university – this might be through the additional needs or learning support team
• let your college or university know if there are any adjustments you need to your student accommodation
• think about what support you might need, for example more time to ask questions in class or to do in exams
• apply for an education, health and care plan (EHCP) from your local council, if you're under 25, at college and need more support

You cannot use an EHCP at university.

Support at work

If you're autistic, you may need some changes to be made at work so you can work more easily. These changes are called reasonable adjustments and could include things like:

• working in a quieter area of the office
• working more from home
• choosing how you communicate with colleagues

Autism is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and your employer must make reasonable adjustments if you need them.

If you need extra support at work, for example special equipment, you can apply for money from the Access to Work government scheme.

Financial support, benefits and social care

If you cannot work you may be able to get some financial support, including:

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance

You may also be able to get a needs assessment from social services and support from social care.

Caring for an autistic adult

Some autistic adults will need support their whole life. If you're an autistic adult you should be asked who you would like to be involved in your care.

If you’re caring for an autistic adult, they may need help to:

• stay healthy and well, such help with brushing their teeth or eating
• manage their mental health
• socialise and do leisure activities
• manage change, such as leaving school and moving to adult support services
• manage challenging behaviour such as anger and aggression

The support available will depend on where you live. You can:

• ask your GP or local autism team if there are any courses to help develop communication and daily living skills
• ask your council for a carer's assessment, to find out what support or financial benefits you might be able to get
• find out about local groups, where you can get support from other families