Community Connect
Supporting children and young people (aged 0-25) and their families based in North-East Essex to navigate the Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD) pathway.
“Community Connect explained everything clearly. Now I feel ready to help my daughter get the support she needs at school.”
Who We Support
We help children and young people under 25 and their families. You don’t need a diagnosis of autism to get help.
Our service is free for families living in North East Essex (Colchester and Tendring).
Due to funding, our Community Connect team can only support people in this area. If you need help and live in another area, visit our Resource Hub where you’ll find helpful advice and guidance on a range of topics.
How We Make a Difference
We guide families through the autism support process and teach the community about autism.
- Personal advice and support
- Our friendly team listen and give advice based on your needs. We can talk on the phone, email, or visit you at home.
- Drop-in sessions
- We hold drop-in events at different places in Northeast Essex. Come and meet us to get help and advice.
- Groups and training
- We run social groups and give training to schools and other places
What We Can Help With
- Assessment and diagnosis of Autism and ADHD
- Money and benefits advice
- Moving between schools or big life changes
- Support with meltdowns and shutdowns
- Getting help at school or college
- Behaviours that may be hard to manage
- Housing problems
- Training for families and schools
- Explaining other services and how to get help
- Our Autism Alert Card to help you feel safe while you’re out and about
“I went to one of the drop-in sessions near where I live. It was absolutely brilliant! Since speaking with the team, I have got the forms to help me apply for some benefits I didn’t know I was entitled to.”
Why Choose Us
- We have over 50 years of experience of supporting autistic people.
- We treat everyone as an individual and listen to your needs.
- We help people reach their goals and dreams.
- We use Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to build respect and independence.
- Our Quality-of-Life team includes experts like therapists and psychologists.
How To Get Help
You can refer yourself or your child, or someone like a teacher or community worker can refer you.
Get in touch to learn more or to make a referral.
Book an Individual Session Find a Drop-In SessionExplore our services
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We provide autism assessments for children and adults aged 3 and older, and ADHD assessments for children and adults aged 7 and older.
Learn moreAutism Alert Card
The Autism Alert Card from Autism Anglia might help you feel more confident and safer. Click to learn more.
Learn moreOpportunity centres
Our Opportunities Centres offer activities to help people learn new skills and become more independent.
Learn moreSupported Living
Our supported living service helps people live at home and become more confident and independent.
Learn moreUnlock 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.
Learn moreHow we make a difference
