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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It's official Peterhouse is a 'Sleep Right' School!
Peterhouse School is accredited by the Hunrosa Sleep Academy
Top Dog Paisley Makes the Front Page
It's official Paisley is now an Educational Assistance Dog and she's already made the front page!
Paisley’s in Training to become Peterhouse Puppy
We have been delighted to welcome Paisley the Puppy to Autism Initiatives head office in Bootle, as part of her training to hopefully become Peterhouse School’s assistance dog.
Walk for Autism 2021 reaches £100,000 in sponsorship making it our biggest fundraiser to date!
Excelcare donates apprenticeship levy fund to Autism Initiatives UK
Introducing the Weekly Autism Lottery
We're delighted to announce the launch of The Weekly Autism Lottery - sign up today to support autism projects