About Us
We’re Autism Anglia, East Anglia’s leading autism charity. We provide care and support to autistic children, adults and their families.
Our Vision:
To create an accepting society where autistic people and their families feel supported, celebrated and empowered with the opportunities they need to thrive.
Through our specialist co-educational school, residential and supported living, assessment and diagnosis service and outreach programme, we’re helping to ensure autistic children, adults, and their families can thrive, every day.
Our impact goes beyond our regional boundaries. By campaigning for better support for autistic people, and providing training, education, and advice to professionals and the public, we’re helping to raise awareness and change attitudes around autism on a national scale.
Why Our Support Matters
Demand for autism services is growing fast, leaving many without the support they need. Over the past 25 years, autism diagnoses have steadily risen as awareness improves.
- Over 200,000 people are on an autism diagnosis waiting list
- Only 3 in 10 autistic people are in paid employment
- 80% of autistic people report feeling lonely and exluded
- 1 in 20 children have an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) and for a third of them, the primary support need is for autism
Autistic people deserve better.
So, together with our partners and supporters we will work tirelessly to ensure autistic people are understood, able to access opportunities and fulfil their potential.
Donate Get InvolvedExplore our services
Autism Alert Card
The Autism Alert Card from Autism Anglia might help you feel more confident and safer. Click to learn more.
Learn moreAutism Training for Individuals & Small Businesses
Expert-led, in-person training in Colchester, Essex designed for small businesses, healthcare professionals and individuals who want to better understand autism and support autistic people in everyday life.
Learn moreCommunity Connect
Free Autism & ADHD Support for young people 0-25 and their families in Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk.
Learn moreCommunity Connect | Autism & ADHD School Support Service in Essex & Norfolk
Free Autism & ADHD Support for young people 0-25 and their families through informal school coffee sessions in Colchester & North-East Essex & Norwich & Mid-Norfolk.
Learn moreConnect Centres
Our Opportunities Centres offer activities to help people learn new skills and become more independent.
Learn moreSupported Living
Our supported living service helps people live at home and become more confident and independent.
Learn moreOur History
We’ve come a long way since a group of local families, struggling to get support for their autistic children, founded our independent charity over 50 years ago.
1970
The Norwich and Norfolk Society for Autistic Children was formed by five families affected by autism.
1973
Two sets of parents with newly diagnosed children setup up the Essex Society for Autistic Children.
1977
Doucecroft School opened in Kelvedon for children up to 16 years old.
1983
Provision extended to include services for young adults with an Adult Life Care Centre and the name was changed to The Essex Autistic Society.
Norfolk Autistic Community Housing Association (NACHA) formed to provide residential homes to people with autism.
The Norwich and Norfolk Society for Autistic Children changed its name to the Norfolk Autistic Society.
1994
The Norfolk Autistic Society Trust Fund established to benefit people with autism and their families.
1999
Further Education facilities for 16-19-year-olds given a dedicated campus in Kelvedon.
2004
Family Support service launched to help individuals and families affected by autism.
Through collaboration, the Norfolk Autistic Society provided short breaks for children with autism and learning disabilities.
2005
Doucecroft School moved from Kelvedon to purpose-built facilities in Eight Ash Green, Colchester.
2008
NACHA merged with The Essex Autistic Society and the new charity changed its name on 1 May to Autism Anglia which better reflected its area of operation.
The Norfolk Autistic Society merged with Autism Anglia.
2019
Relocation of our Century House Colchester Office a short walk away to North Hill.
Sandra Sheldon and the Norfolk Autistic Society
This is Sandra, a founder of the Norfolk Autistic Society, talking about how she became involved with the charity.
Tony Boobier and the Essex Autistic Society
Tony Boobier explains how he and other parents founded the charity for their children
See more of Tony’s videos on our YouTube Channel
Watch on YouTubeHow we make a difference
