Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. People who have a neurodevelopmental difference are said to be neurodiverse. There are many autistic and neurodiverse people in Cornwall. You can read more about neurodiversity on our Autism and Neurodiversity information page.
Neurodiversity can affect how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. There are lots of traits and characteristics associated with being neurodiverse, but not every neurodiverse person has the same ones.
We have tried to include on this page information and links that will help some people, but they may not be right for you.
If you also have a learning disability, then there is information for you on our Learning Disability page. That page is written in Easy Read language, although we cannot put lots of photosymbols onto our website.
Visit our Learning Disabilities page for more information
There is also general information for people with disabilities on our main Disabilities page. This has details of schemes such as the Sunflower Lanyard, and disability ID cards, as well as services to support you, if you need them.
Getting help
Support from the NHS
Find out about support the NHS can give you around diagnosis, treatment and understanding neurodiversity.
Visit NHS Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust page
Getting Help from Adult Social Care
If you do not need a lot of support in your every day life, then it is likely that you are not eligible to receive support from Adult Social Care. We can signpost you to other organisations, if we cannot help you ourselves.
Visit our Community Gateway page
Some autistic people in Cornwall will require support from health and social care. Others will manage independently, with or without support from universal services. The need for support may also fluctuate over time, or in response to a change of circumstance. To find out if you are eligible for support from Adult Social Care, you can request an adults needs assessment. This will look your needs and the outcomes you want to achieve, discussing factors affecting your ability to live well.
Health and wellbeing information
You can find out more information about health and wellbeing on our Health and Wellbeing - Neurodiversity page. This includes:
- The CHAMPS at Healthy Cornwall
- Mental health
- A Navigating Neurodiversity group at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Discrimination and abuse
Abuse of any kind is wrong. You can report abuse, whether it’s happening to you or to someone else, and help to stop it. If you are concerned about your safety, or the safety of a vulnerable adult, you can make what is called a Safeguarding Referral.
If someone is being bullied or harassed because they are disabled, this is a hate crime. For information about hate crimes, and how to report them, see Safer Cornwall.
Support for adults caring for an autistic person of any age
For Carers, there is extensive information around the support they can receive on our Carers pages.
If you are an adult caring for an autistic child or young person, you can find more support and information on our page around support for autistic children and young people.
Education and Employment
You can find more information about education choices for age 16 and over, and employment here. There is also information about ‘reasonable adjustments’ that employers must make, if an employee has a disability.
Visit out Education and Employment page
Making your voices heard
Autism Partnership Board
The Autism Partnership Board meets four times a year. It includes autistic people and their families, as well as professionals and autism charities. It is an opportunity for self-advocates and family carers to have their voices heard. People on the board discuss issues that are important to the Autism community, and can help make important decisions.