Autism Central is a national peer education programme designed to support families and wider networks of autistic people of all ages across England. Delivered by the Anna Freud Centre and commissioned by the NHS, the programme offers free, accessible support to help people better understand autism and navigate services with greater confidence.

Supporting the whole network

Autism Central recognises that support around an autistic person extends beyond immediate family. The programme is open to anyone in that wider network, including parents, carers, siblings, partners, children, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

The support is co-produced and co-delivered with autistic people and their families, ensuring that learning is grounded in real lived experience.

Learn, connect and build confidence

Autism Central offers a range of ways to get involved, including:

• Online group learning sessions, where families can reflect together, share experiences and build knowledge through guided discussions
• One-to-one peer support, providing practical guidance, coaching and signposting from trained peer guides
• Community events and drop-ins, offering opportunities to connect with others
• A range of resources, including blogs, podcasts and animations to support learning at your own pace

These opportunities are designed to help participants better understand autistic ways of being, support autistic mental health, and feel more confident in accessing services and support.

Find out more

Autism Central provides a flexible and supportive offer that can be accessed in a way that works best for you.

Explore resources, find events and get support on the Autism Central website. Sign-up to the monthly newsletter here.

• Co-Production
• Resources
• Training and Events