About National Autistic Society

Autism is a life-long development disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Children and adults with autism are unable to relate to others in a meaningful way. For example, skills that we take for granted like the ability to understand tone of voice or simple facial gestures, are very hard to comprehend for people with autism.

The condition comes in varying degrees of severity and in some cases a person with autism may also have an additional mental or physical disability such as schizophrenia or blindness. There is also a condition called Asperger syndrome which is a form of autism used to describe people at the higher functioning end of the autistic spectrum.

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s foremost organisation for people with autism and those who care for them, spearheading national and international initiatives and providing a strong voice for autism. The organisation works in many areas to help people with autism live with as much independence as possible.

The society provides a national telephone helpline, schools and adult centres, books and leaflets, specialist diagnosis, local support groups, regional volunteers, a supported employment service for individuals with autism and works closely with local authorities to ensure the needs of individuals with autism are addressed. It also conducts research into causes and methods of dealing with the condition, and works closely with a number of leading universities in this area.

Our history

In 1962 a group of parents, frustrated with the lack of provision and support for children with autism and their carers, and whose children had been labelled 'ineducable', came together and formed The Society for Autistic Children. This later became The National Autistic Society (NAS). Their aim was to encourage a better understanding of autism and to pioneer specialist services for people with autism and those who care for them.

Initially working out of Helen Green Allison’s back room, with a handful of members and little funding, the NAS has come a long way in 38 years. The Society opened the UK’s first school for children with autism in 1965 and today continues to pioneer new services.

The Princess Royal became patron of the NAS in 1993, having been involved with the cause of autism for many years. Throughout her patronage the Princess Royal has visited many NAS schools and adult centres, attended three seminars for Prospects (Supported Employment Consultancy), taken part in the 'Lifeline' video appeal and recently hosted a leadership dinner in St. James’ Palace.

Jane Asher, actress and author, officially became president of the NAS in 1997 having for many years been vice president. Jane has assisted the society in various fundraising and awareness activities, attending corporate meetings, opening and visiting NAS schools and centres and has also taken the lead in our annual Nice and Sweet cake baking challenge.