Autism in Darlington

Supporting autistic people to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives

Darlington Borough Council wants Darlington to be a place where autistic people of all ages feel understood, included and supported.

Autism is a type of neurodivergence. Neurodiversity includes different ways of thinking, learning, communicating and experiencing the world. We recognise and value these differences.

We want autistic people to:

• find the right information and support when they need it.
• be independent and make informed choices about their lives.
• take part in community activities and local services.
• feel included, respected and understood.
• achieve the goals and outcomes that are important to them.

This page explains:

• what autism is.
• what support is available in Darlington.
• how residents can help shape the new Darlington Autism Strategy.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world.

Autistic people may experience differences in:

• communication.
• social interaction.
• sensory experiences, such as sensitivity to noise, light or touch.
• following routines and coping with change.
• understanding and managing emotions.

Autism is often described as a spectrum. This means that every autistic person is different. Each person will have their own strengths, experiences and support needs.

Some autistic people need little or no support in everyday life. Others may need regular or specialist support.

Many autistic people have valuable strengths and can make valuable contributions to their families, communities, education and workplaces when they are understood and supported.

Support in Darlington

If you think you, or someone you know, may be autistic, there are local services that can offer advice, information and support. More support services are shown at the bottom of this page.

Adults

Contact Adult Social Care if you are 18 or over and need information, advice or support.

Telephone: 01325 406111
Email: [email protected]

Adult Social Care may be able to carry out an assessment to identify any care and support needs you may have.

Children and young people

If you are concerned about a child or young person, contact the Children’s Services Front Door.

Public telephone: 01325 406222
Professional telephone: 01325 406252
Email: [email protected]

You can also find information and support through the SEND Local Offer for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Autism assessment

If you would like to ask about an assessment, speak to your GP.

For children and young people, a school, health visitor or another professional may also be involved in making a referral.

Your GP, school or other professional can also advise you about support that may be available while you are waiting for an assessment.

Mental health and wellbeing

Autistic people may sometimes experience challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. These can include:

• anxiety
• depression
• stress
• feeling isolated or lonely
• sensory overload, such as being overwhelmed by noise, light or busy environments

Support may be available from:

• your GP
• local mental health services
• Adult Social Care
• schools and colleges
• voluntary organisations
• Local support groups and community services

Getting urgent help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you need urgent medical or mental health advice but it is not an emergency, call 111 for advice

Darlington Autism Strategy

Darlington Borough Council and its partners are developing a new Autism Strategy for Darlington.

The strategy will explain how local organisations can work together to improve the lives of autistic people, their families and carers.

It is being developed with input from:

• autistic people
• families and carers
• health services
• education providers
• social care
• employment and skills partners
• community organisations

Our emerging priorities

The proposed priorities for the strategy are:

• Improving understanding and acceptance of autism.
• Making information, advice and support easier to find.
• Improving health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Supporting education, employment, skills and transition into adulthood.
• Promoting independent living and community inclusion.
• Making sure autistic people and carers help shape local services.

Have your say

We want to hear from:

• autistic people
• families and carers
• professionals
• community organisations

Your feedback will help shape the Autism Strategy and future improvements to services in Darlington.

You can share your views by completing the Autism Strategy consultation survey

Information about engagement events and other opportunities to get involved will also be published on this page.

Working together

Everyone has a role to play in improving outcomes for autistic people.

By listening to and working alongside autistic people, families, carers, communities and partners, we can make Darlington a more understanding, accessible and inclusive place.