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Autism

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. It can present through challenges in social interaction, repetitive behaviours, intense interests, and sensory sensitivities.

Because autism is a spectrum, every individual experiences it differently. There is no “typical” profile; each person has unique strengths, needs, and personal stories.

Signs of Autism in children and young people

Early signs of autism often appear before age two, though these signs vary widely. Some children show many characteristics, while others display only a few. Signs may become more noticeable as children experience new situations, such as starting school. 

Common features of autism may include:

  • Interacting with people differently
  • Needing routine and consistency
  • Having sensory differences or needs
  • Having specialist interests or hobbies

Recognising these signs early is important. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a meaningful difference in supporting each child’s growth and development.

How we support children and young people with Autism

Our schools and colleges are dedicated to ensuring that every child and young person receives the support they need to thrive. Our therapeutic approach is embedded throughout all the work we do with our young people to help them manage the challenges of autism and reach their full potential.

Our Clinical Services Teams enable children and young people to access support, necessary assessments, and tailored programmes which are then integrated into their daily activities. Our team members are well-known to children and continuously work to establish and develop their trust.

Our Services that support Autism Spectrum Conditions

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    Aurora Beeches School

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    Specialist academic and therapeutic provision in a peaceful, rural setting, for young people aged 11- 16 with Autism spectrum conditions or additional social, emotional and mental health needs.

    Cranborne, Dorset
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

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    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Brooklands School

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    An independent specialist day school supporting young people aged 9-16 who face various challenges associated with social, emotional and mental health needs and behavioural challenges.

    Leyland, Lancashire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

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    9 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 weeks of the year, day
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    Aurora Caterham Education Centre

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    Specialist secondary education in a calm, nurturing environment, for children aged 11-19 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions.

    Caterham, Surrey
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

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    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SLCN
      Speech, Language and Communication Needs

      Speech, language and communication needs

      Find out more
    11 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 Weeks, day
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    Aurora Chaldon School

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    A brand new specialist secondary education provision offering a calm, nurturing environment for students with Autism and associated social communication, sensory and emotional regulation difficulties.

    Redhill
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SLCN
      Speech, Language and Communication Needs

      Speech, language and communication needs

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Eccles School

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    Specialist academic and therapeutic provision in a creative, supportive environment, for students aged 11-16 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings.

    Quidenham, Norfolk
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SLCN
      Speech, Language and Communication Needs

      Speech, language and communication needs

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Weeks, day
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    Aurora Fairway School

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    A specialist day school located in St Ives, Cambridge, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11-16 with a range of complex needs.

    St Ives, Cambridgeshire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Hanley School

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    Independent specialist education for young people aged 6 to 19 who have complex communication and social needs typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions.

    Bucknall, Staffordshire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

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    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    6 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 week, day
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    Aurora Hedgeway School

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    Flexible, inclusive education and a positive, vibrant learning community, for children and young people aged 7-19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of Autism and related social and communication.

    Pilning, South Gloucestershire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    7 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Keyes Barn School

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    A specialist, independent primary school for boys aged 5-12 who face challenges associated with additional social, emotional or mental health needs.

    Salwick, Lancashire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SLCN
      Speech, Language and Communication Needs

      Speech, language and communication needs

      Find out more
    5 -12
    Boys
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Poppyfield School

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    A specialist day school, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11- 16 with Autism and associated behavioural and communication difficulties.

    Effingham, Surrey
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Redehall School

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    Specialist education in a calm, nurturing environment, for children aged 6-16 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions.

    Smallfield, Surrey
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • Learning Difficulties
      Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    6 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Severnside School

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    A specialist independent day school, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, Autism and additional learning needs.

    Berkeley, Gloucestershire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Summerfields School

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    An independent specialist provision supporting young people aged 5 to 19 who have complex communication and social needs typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions.

    Wilmslow, Cheshire East
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • COIN
      Communication and Interaction Needs

      Communication and Interaction Needs

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    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    • SLCN
      Speech, Language and Communication Needs

      Speech, language and communication needs

      Find out more
    5 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 Week , day
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    Aurora Vincent House School

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    A brand new SEND Secondary school opening in 2025 in the heart of Horsham, for young people who are predominantly autistic aged 11-16.

    Horsham
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASC
      Autism Spectrum Conditions

      A developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them.

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    11 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora White House School

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    Specialist academic and therapeutic provision in a caring, supportive environment, for children aged 5-16 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings.

    Quidenham, Norfolk
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    5 -16
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
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    Aurora Wilden View School

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    A brand new school supporting young people aged 5 to 19 who have a range of complex learning needs including social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication difficulties

    Kidderminster, Worcestershire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    5 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 Week , day
  • View Details

    Aurora Woodlands School

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    An independent specialist day school supporting young people aged 10-19 who face various challenges associated with social, emotional and mental health needs and behavioural challenges.

    Darwen, Lancashire
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • ASD
      Autistic Spectrum Disorder

      A neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

      Find out more
    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    10 -19
    Mixed
    • 38 Week, day
  • View Details

    Aurora Boveridge College

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    A specialist further education college providing day and residential support for young people with Autism spectrum conditions or additional social, emotional and mental health needs.

    Cranborne, Dorset
    • ADHD
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

      Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

      Find out more
    • MLD
      Moderate Learning Difficulties

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    • SEMH
      Social Emotional and Mental Health

      Find out more
    16 -25
    Mixed
    • 38 Weeks, day
    • Up to 52 Weeks, residential
    • 38 weeks, outreach

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