About Us

We’re Autism Anglia, East Anglia’s leading autism charity. We provide care and support to autistic children adults and their families.

Our Services Get Involved

Our Vision:

To create an accepting society where autistic people are understood, able to access opportunities and fulfil their potential.

Through our specialist co-educational school, residential and supported living, assessment and diagnosis service and outreach programme, we’re helping to ensure autistic children, adults, and their families can thrive, every day.

Our impact goes beyond our regional boundaries. By campaigning for better support for autistic people, and providing training, education, and advice to professionals and the public, we’re helping to raise awareness and change attitudes around autism on a national scale.

Why Our Support Matters

Demand for our services is growing, because autistic people still face so many challenges. A growing number of autistic people are waiting more than the recommended 13 weeks for a diagnosis. 7 out of 10 autistic people are unemployed. And unhelpful myths and stereotypes that still exist about autism can discourage autistic people from getting the help they need.

That’s why, just as we support autistic people across the East Anglia, we rely on your support to help us make a real difference.

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Explore our services

Our services
Asperger’s Group

Join our friendly group in Colchester to meet new people whilst building skills and confidence..

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Assessment and Diagnosis Service

We provide autism assessments for children and adults aged 3 and older, and ADHD assessments for children and adults aged 7 and older.

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Autism Alert Card

The Autism Alert Card from Autism Anglia might help you feel more confident and safer. Click to learn more.

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Community Connect

Supporting children and young people (aged 0-25) and their families

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Opportunity centres

Our Opportunities Centres offer activities to help people learn new skills and become more independent.

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Outreach

Our outreach service is flexible and offers the right help at the right time.

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Residential Homes

Our homes are friendly, safe, and welcoming places to live.

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Resource Hub

Browse our resource hub to find useful information and advice.

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Supported Living

Our supported living service helps people live at home and become more confident and independent.

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Training and webinars

We offer a wide range of training to help people learn about autism.

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Unlock your child’s potential

We provide autism assessments for children and adults aged 3 and older, and ADHD assessments for children and adults aged 7 and older.

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Our History

We’ve come a long way since a group of local families, struggling to get support for their autistic children, founded our independent charity over 50 years ago.

1970

The Norwich and Norfolk Society for Autistic Children was formed by five families affected by autism.

Two sets of parents with newly diagnosed children setup up the Essex Society for Autistic Children.

Doucecroft School opened in Kelvedon for children up to 16 years old.

Provision extended to include services for young adults with an Adult Life Care Centre and the name was changed to The Essex Autistic Society.

Norfolk Autistic Community Housing Association (NACHA) formed to provide residential homes to people with autism.

The Norwich and Norfolk Society for Autistic Children changed its name to the Norfolk Autistic Society.

The Norfolk Autistic Society Trust Fund established to benefit people with autism and their families.

Further Education facilities for 16-19-year-olds given a dedicated campus in Kelvedon.

Family Support service launched to help individuals and families affected by autism.

Through collaboration, the Norfolk Autistic Society provided short breaks for children with autism and learning disabilities.

Doucecroft School moved from Kelvedon to purpose-built facilities in Eight Ash Green, Colchester.

NACHA merged with The Essex Autistic Society and the new charity changed its name on 1 May to Autism Anglia which better reflected its area of operation.

The Norfolk Autistic Society merged with Autism Anglia.

Relocation of our Century House Colchester Office a short walk away to North Hill.

Sandra Sheldon and the Norfolk Autistic Society

This is Sandra, a founder of the Norfolk Autistic Society, talking about how she became involved with the charity.

Watch on YouTube

Tony Boobier and the Essex Autistic Society

Tony Boobier explains how he and other parents founded the charity for their children

See more of Tony’s videos on our YouTube Channel

Watch on YouTube

How we make a difference

View our impact