Autism NI's Mental Health and Autism Project (MAP) provides tailored autism support for autistic young people, helping to build confidence and improve wellbeing through early intervention and personalised sessions.

Our Mental Health and Autism Project provides one to one autism support to autistic young people aged 11-18 years within the Belfast Trust. We receive requests for support from the Child and Adolescents Autism Service in the Belfast Trust. 

Our Mental Health and Autism Project offers early autism support that aims to remove barriers within home, school and community environments, and supports achievement, enjoyment, and full participation. Each participant will receive 8 – 12 weeks of tailored bespoke early intervention, on issues they have identified with a view to increasing confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.  

Project Outcomes

80% of autistic participants rated the service as ‘excellent’, many highlighted that with support they had achieved positive change in areas identified by them at the start of the engagement. 

Mental Health and Autism Support

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience mental health problems at some point. Autistic people are more vulnerable to mental health issues, particularly in adolescence and early adulthood. 

This could be due to increased self-awareness, communication or social difficulties and generally feeling isolated. Autistic people have higher levels of poor mental health compared to the general population. Research shows that’s autistic children are 20 times more likely to self-harm, and autistic people are 9 times more likely to feel lonely.

At Autism NI, we are committed to improving outcomes and increasing access to autism support for autistic people experiencing mental health challenges. Through advocacy, awareness raising and dedicated services, we work to ensure autistic people can access the understanding and support they need. Our Mental Health and Autism Project (MAP) is one example of how we provide accessible, tailored autism support that helps autistic young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and achieve positive outcomes.

A group of young people on the MAP autism support service, standing outside a stable during equine therapy.
Thank you for everything you have done for me.

You have been incredible; you’ve helped me so much over the past few months. I have more confidence now because of you and more belief in myself. I was so happy after we met for the first time because we just clicked, we liked the same things, and you just understood me. I am really going to miss you and have loved every minute. Thanks for everything.
Autistic Young Person who accessed our MAP autism support service.

Further Information

If you wold like to learn more about the Mental Health and Autism Project (MAP), or find out whether this autism support service is available to your family, please contact our team on 02890  401729 option 1 or email info@autismni.org.