Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The neurodiversity model<\/a> proposes that all humans have strengths and challenges, but for autistic people, and other neurodivergent individuals, the variation between their strengths and challenges can be more pronounced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Autistic Society<\/a> estimates that one in 100 adults and children in the UK are autistic. It is estimated that 4 in 10 autistic people also have a learning disability, and 7 in 10 have a mental health condition, but autism itself is not a learning disability, nor a mental health condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autistic people experience differences in social interaction, communication, patterns of behaviour, activities, and interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a different way of thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autism is experienced by people in different ways and is often referred to as a spectrum condition. The spectrum is best thought of as a colour wheel of infinite combinations of strengths and challenges, as opposed to a linear spectrum ranging from \u2018more autistic\u2019 to \u2018less autistic\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other conditions that can co-occur alongside autism include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some autistic people in Devon will require support from health and social care, and others may 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some websites which provide advice and resources to help support you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dimensions for Autism<\/a> are a group for autistic adults in Devon who do not have a learning disability. They host face-to-face meetings and have a Discord server for their online community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dimensions for Autism represent Devon\u2019s Autistic community at Devon County Council meetings and also provides training. For more information about joining the Discord server or attending face-to-face meetings, please contact trishdarke.dimensionsforautism@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dimensions for Autism, in conjunction with Devon County Council, produced The Yellow Brick Road guide<\/a>, which provides a directory of autism services for Devon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Autistic Society<\/a> has 116 volunteer-led branches across the UK, including in Devon. Find your local branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) Devon Adult Autism and ADHD service<\/a> provides diagnosis and assessment for adults in Devon who have not previously been diagnosed and whose symptoms are consistent with an Autism Spectrum Condition or ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Devon County Council\u2019s Housing options<\/a> page provides information about the types of housing and support available to help you to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Getting support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dimensions for Autism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The National Autistic Society<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Devon Partnership Trust<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Information about housing (with and without support)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Self-help tool and self-assessments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n