
Northern Ireland
We provide local specialist help, information and care across Northern Ireland for autistic children and adults, and their families. We offer health and social services including support in your home, short breaks and respite, social groups, relationship and health education, and parent groups.
National Autistic Society Adult Skills for Life Programme
The National Autistic Society NI, is now accepting applications for their Adult Skills for Life programme. The course is intended to help Autistic young adults in the 18-25 age group develop important skills to live independently in adulthood.
Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that may leave many youths and adults with the ability to function effectively in daily life, but without the ability to naturally develop these skills on their own. This programme is intended to help Autistic adults live dignified and self-sufficient lives as they transition out of the school system and into adult life.
Basic living skills such as budgeting, cooking, personal hygiene and more will be taught, alongside other matters such as developing interpersonal communication skills, improving self-esteem, improving relationships and developing skills for self-advocacy.
As explained in a quote from Claire Burke an Autistic Advocate:
The Skills for Life programme will enable autistic people to navigate the all too confusing neurotypical world and the challenges that life entails. It will equip you with the aptitude and know-how, in order that you can successfully and confidently put these learned strategies into practice in your daily routine. Not only will the programme prepare you for the challenges encountered in your day to day living - it will also greatly improve confidence, self esteem and interpersonal skills, encouraging you to succeed and ultimately improve and empower yourself and your quality of life
Advice and guidance
Information and guides for autistic people, their families and professionals