Accessing the right autism support can make a lasting difference for autistic people and their families. Autism NI's Family Support service provides local, community-based autism support across Northern Ireland, helping families navigate life before and after diagnosis.
Autism NI's Early Intervention and Family Support Services are some of our longest-standing autism services in Northern Ireland.
Through practical advice, emotional support, signposting and personalised guidance, we work alongside families to increase confidence, improve wellbeing and connect people with the autism support services available in their local area.
Helpline support
Our Autism Helpline is the first point of contact for many autistic people, parents, carers, families, and professionals, to get individualised autism support and the right information for them.
Each year, our Autism Helpline responds to over 7000 enquiries from people looking for guidance, practical advice and access to autism support services. We can provide information on available resources, local support services, one-to-one support opportunities and other interventions that may help individuals and families navigate their autism journey with confidence.
Our Helpline is available from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm on 028 9040 1729 (option 1).
I really appreciate your help and support, I wish I had of got talking to you sooner. You are an epitome of strength, I took great comfort from our conversation, your dedication and commitment is exemplary.Parent, Helpline service
Early Intervention
Our Early Intervention Service is a partnership service, led by Autism NI, which aims to build and strengthen relationships for families of autistic children aged 17 and under. The service provides autism support to families in the Belfast, Northern, South Eastern and Western Trust through:
- Encouraging early childhood intervention by supporting families to feel confident using bespoke autism strategies tailored to their child's needs.
- Autism support courses for parents and family members, to help them build knowledge and understanding of their child's strengths and needs.
- Autism support groups for family members in the community, to connect with others in their local area.
David and Labaoise's Story
Families are referred to this service through the Belfast, Northern, South Eastern and Western Trusts and will engage in a home-based, autism support programme. These meetings will provide family members with practical tools and support to understand their children's behaviours, play, and communication. Each meeting will last approximately one to two hours and topics discussed may include:
- The use of visual structure to help a child understand.
- Structuring the home environment.
- Setting up and maintaining positive routines.
- Daily living skills, play skills and emotional regulation skills.
- Organisation skills, for example, homework schedules.
Parent/carer support courses will also be available to support parents and family members to build up knowledge, skills and coping strategies. Ongoing community support will be available in the form of local support groups so families can build a local network to get further autism support and connection.
Ellen's story
Ellen has a 3-year-old daughter Amelia (pictured) who is autistic and non-verbal, and recently received autism support through our early intervention service. Ellen tells us more about how the autism support service helped her child and whole family.
Autism Resource Officer (ARO)
Autism NI's Autism Resource Officers provide practical autism support for children and families following an autism diagnosis. Working within local communities, they offer personalised guidance, help families access the services and support available to them, and connect them with local networks and resources.
The service is designed to meet the individual needs of each family, helping them build confidence, strengthen support networks and navigate everyday challenges. Currently available in the Belfast, Northern and Western Trust areas, the service works closely with Autism Intervention teams and other local organisations to ensure families receive the support they need.
The ARO worked with me to source local supports that I could access that benefitted me and my child such as the local women's centre.Parent who accessed our ARO autism support service.
Further Information
For further information on autism supports available for parents, carers and family members, please contact 028 9040 1729 (Option 1) or email info@autismni.org.