► About Us

There are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands. 

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism, and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. 
Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism. 

What do we do?

• Support people with autism to live as independently as possible, in residential care, or in their own or the family home

• Provide activities and events and support for families, and an information helpline

• Help people with autism to find and keep a job

• Offer training for parents of children with autism, and the professionals who help them

….and much more!

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Impact Report: 2010/11

Click here to download a PDF copy of our impact report

Our History

Our history began in 1965 when groups of parents with children on the autism spectrum in Birmingham joined together to provide each other with support and encouragement. By the 1980s, parents were campaigning to raise funds to set up Oakfield House, our first residential home, opened by Princess Anne in 1988. We now have six residential homes; two supported living establishments, and provide support in the community to hundreds of people on the autism spectrum and their families. Parental support groups remain very important: we have large numbers of support groups throughout the West Midlands.