Written by Alice Davis

Making connections: Groups and support for autistic adults in Devon

To mark World Autism Acceptance Week we’ve been taking a look at the support and services that are available for autistic adults in Devon. The number of people being diagnosed with autism has increased dramatically in the past couple of decades, with the biggest rise in diagnosis for adults. This is likely due to a growing recognition of the condition.  There has been a particular rise in diagnosis for women due to growing understanding of how Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) can present differently in women and girls. However, while awareness and diagnosis has increased, autistic adults can still struggle to find the support they want or need.

Alex Kelly, founder and director of WayMakers, explains that there are “a lot of eyes” on autistic children and young people. They may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place and a range of different services supporting their development and wellbeing. But once out of education that support can fall away, while people diagnosed in adulthood may never have had it. And then there are adults who think they may be on the spectrum but are yet to have a diagnosis.

“There’s an unfair expectation for a lot of adults that they will be able to self-advocate,” says Alex. “It’s not easy for a lot of people to know about, let alone make sure they can access, what’s available or what they’re entitled to. It takes an awful lot of courage. And often the routes through which you can make contacts aren’t set up in the most accessible way. There are so many barriers and people often feel they’re ‘dropping off a cliff’.”

Fortunately, there are a number of groups and individuals across Devon working to fill this gap. Through WayMakers Alex provides one-to-one coaching for autistic people, with subsidised places often available for those on a low income. She has also just launched a group for adults in their 20s in North Devon, partnering with a group that uses board games to help people make connections.

Board games are also on offer at the Plymouth Group for Autistic Adults and Teenagers, along with table tennis, games consoles, arts and crafts and more. The group was set up by two mums whose sons are on the autism spectrum and couldn’t find anywhere for them to socialise. There are now two regular sessions, one for autistic adults and one for 13-17-year-olds. Gail Porthouse, one of the co-founders, explains that it is a place where people can come and just be – they can chat or join in with activities if they choose to but there is no pressure. “We’re a very group-led group,” Gail says. “If someone has an interest we try to accommodate it.” In the future she would also like to offer courses on things like writing CVs and building self-esteem.

The Yellow Brick Road is a guide for autistic people in Devon, which is packed full of useful information and contacts. It was created by Dimensions for Autism, a group for adults on the spectrum in the country who don’t have a learning disability. They run monthly meetings in Exeter and Newton Abbot, along with subgroups at other locations around Devon and dedicated groups for women and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Adults who are considering that they may be on the spectrum are also welcome and there are plenty of opportunities for members to get involved with volunteering. “We’re trying to get people thinking more about neurodiversity and to create more awareness,” says Trish. “We’re very positive about being neurodiverse.”

Below we have listed further groups and support for autistic adults in Devon. If you know of any we have missed, or would like more information, please contact our Community Insight Team via insights@devoncf.com.

Plymouth Autistic Adults Group (PAAG) – free peer support meetings

ARC Autism Resource Centre – life skills training and workshop practice in practical and vocational crafts for young people and adults with ASC. Based in Plymouth.

National Autistic Society Exeter and District Branch – support groups, advice and information.

North Devon Forum for Autistic Spectrum Conditions and ADHD – support, social events and activities.

West Devon Autistic Women’s Group – meets monthly for coffee and a chat.

Plymouth Autism Spectrum Service – dedicated, specialist service for adults with autism in Plymouth.

PANDA (Promoting Autism Neurodiversity Awareness) – online advice and guidance.

SOCOPS Plus – a social group for young people aged 15-23 who have Asperger Syndrome/high functioning autism.