A really skilled facilitator and made sure everyone's views were heard and reflected without judgement and it was easy to understand.
Autism Central
England’s Peer Education Programme for families and support networks of autistic people of all ages. Delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by NHS England, it offers education, coaching and connection through resources, peer support and events.
About Autism Central
Autism Central’s mission is to empower families and carers of autistic people through peer education, coaching, and community support – co-produced with autistic people and grounded in research.
The programme’s vision is a society where autistic people, their families, and those who support them are empowered, connected, and thriving.
Autism Central is free to families and support networks, and is delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by NHS England.
What we offer
One-to-one peer support
Personalised sessions with trained peers offering practical guidance and support.
Group learning and coaching
Interactive sessions combining education, reflection and shared learning.
Practical resources
Access blogs, videos, animations and podcasts to help you learn.
Autism Central provides accessible, centralised education, coaching, and connection. All sessions are free, peer-led, co-produced and grounded in lived experience and research, delivered by Anna Freud and commissioned by NHS England.
How the programme supports families and carers
The programme aims to support families and carers with the knowledge, skills and support they need to use appropriate strategies, helping to prevent crisis escalation and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for autistic people of all ages.
The programme:
Helps families learn about autistic ways of being in the world, autistic mental health and how to navigate life and services with greater confidence.
Supports the full network around an autistic person, including parents, carers, partners, siblings, children, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Is fully co-produced and co-delivered with autistic people of all ages and their family and support networks, to ensure support is shaped by lived experience.
Autism Central is designed for families and wider networks. It is not a resource for health and care staff working in CQC-regulated services directly, but is a great service to signpost families you are supporting to.
Visit Autism CentralResources for families and carers
Our resources are designed to make navigating information on autism easier for families and support networks. From practical tips and guidance to videos, blogs, and animations, these resources bring together insights from autistic people, parents, carers and professionals.
Watch the video from Alexis Quinn, where she shares three co-regulation strategies to help support a distressed or overwhelmed child.
Impact of the programme
Autism Central is supporting families across England and continuing to grow.
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Autism Central has now supported more than 30,000 families*
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1,000 group learning sessions to be delivered in 2026
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Over 7,000 one-to-one coaching sessions to be offered in 2026
Get involved with Autism Central
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Group learning
Join online events for families of autistic people, including virtual meet-ups, reflective sessions and group learning led by peer guides.
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One-to-one coaching
Confidential, personalised support from trained peer guides with lived or family experience.
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About Autism Central
Find detailed information about the programme, including FAQs and further guidance.
