Autism Hampshire have produced an excellent FREE E-Learning Autism Training resource. This should take you less than an hour to complete and includes a printable certificate.
The waiting list for diagnosis is very long, so if you are uncertain about whether you want to seek a diagnosis, it may be worth asking for a referral to the list anyway until you have reached a decision.
NAS Cambridge Branch activities
We run a relaxed Social Club for adults aged 18+ which is held on Sunday evenings twice per month.
Other local support
Check out our Useful Links page for a list of other organisations offering information, support and activities.
Getting around
Free Bus Passes – you may be eligible to apply for a pass from Cambridgeshire County Council.
Driving – there is lots of useful information related to driving on the National Autistic Society website, including the blue badge scheme. You only need to notify the DVLA of your autism diagnosis if being autistic affects your ability to drive safely.
Blue Badge Scheme – you may be eligible for a blue badge parking permit. If you are applying because you are receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) then read your PIP award letter carefully as the qualifying criteria for a blue badge are very specific. If you do not meet any of the automatic criteria you can still apply under the discretionary category.
Autism cards
If you would like a card to carry for use in difficult situations, that will let people know you have autism and give some basic information about the condition, you can order one of the following:
Autism Anglia offer an Autism Alert Card which costs more and requires proof of diagnosis, but is recognised by all the Police forces in the East of England area.
Benefits
You may be eligible for various benefits including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). There is more information about how to claim these on the Citizens Advice website. It is important to get advice from someone with benefits expertise before filling in the claim form for PIP.
If your Local Authority is Peterborough City Council then you can find information about all their services including Easy Read information on their Peterborough Information Network page.
We are happy to announce the return of our Adults Social Club. It will be in a new venue at Chesterton Methodist Church and anyone aged 18+ on the autistic spectrum is welcome, along with a carer if you would like to bring one.
We are holding our branch AGM at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th April. It will be an online event and anyone from Cambridgeshire with an interest in autism is welcome to attend.
