With nearly fifty years experience ...
we work positively alongside people with autism, their families and carers providing specialist services tailored to each individual.
In a variety of locations throughout the UK and Ireland we offer a wide range of support for autistic people. From supported living to schools, from a short break service to one stop shops, from work placements to training, clubs and activities, Autism Initiatives has a wealth of resources and expertise that support autistic people to achieve their personal goals.
A Person with Autism or Autistic?
There is an ongoing debate over how people with a diagnosis of autism wish to refer to themselves and/or their diagnosis. The phrase ‘person with autism’ (person first) is used frequently in literature, but more recently, there has been a return to the use of the term ‘autistic person’ (or identity first), language driven by the autistic 'community'. This is to recognise the fact that autism is an integral part of a person and nothing to be ashamed of. When talking to people, we will use the words preferred by the person to describe themselves. When we write, we will use both ‘person with autism’, ‘autistic person’ or 'person on the autism spectrum'. We recognise that people can feel strongly about both terminology and language and whilst we do not wish to cause any offence to anyone, we will always prioritise the views of autistic people themselves. This is the 'AI Way'!
Our Latest News & Events
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Message from our CEO, Andrew Grainger
Staff Soar to Success in Apprenticeship Standards
4 year old Chris takes on 5K sand dunes challenge
Lock down has been especially difficult for Chris, who is on the autism spectrum, so now he's able to get out and about again he's taking on an amazing challenge to raise funds
