Real-life stories

Having an autistic member of the family affects everyone: parents, grandparents, siblings, children and extended family members. The pressure can be enormous in the struggle to navigate life in this new way.

The below stories are about the journeys of individuals - adults as well as children - following an autism diagnosis. By sharing these unique and personal experiences we hope to inform and inspire others.

Alexander's Story

By his mother, Anne Read more

Rover's story

By his father, Robert Read more

Luke's story

By his father, Andrew Read more

My Son

By his mother, Leda Read more

David's story

Told by himself, diagnosed as an adult Read more

William's story

By his mother, Lisa Read more

Latest

Vulnerability in Autism: The Policy Guidelines Study

This study will translate the findings from the two previous vulnerability studies (Vulnerability in Mental Health and Vulnerability in schools: The National Pupil Database Study) into practice by writing policy guidelines for the UK Government’s relevant departments.

Recent findings from 7 autism projects

Research takes time but, at the Autism Research Trust, we are beginning to see results from some amazing projects that we have funded in previous years. Read more about 7 of these findings...

Amba Rickards

Amba completed the London Marathon 2019, raising nearly £5,000 for autism research.

Amba Rickards completes London Marathon 2019

ART supporter Amba Rickards rose whole-heartedly to the challenge of the London Marathon - and had an amazing day!

Are autistic people being misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder?

A new study has shown that there is an overlap in the behaviour traits of people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and Autism. Could this mean people are receiving the wrong diagnosis?

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability, that can affects people's ability to communicate and build relationships.

The Autism Research Trust

We fund research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis and explore interventions to ensure that autistic people receive the best possible support.

Our Priorities

Our goal is to support research that can help understand the causes of autism, improve the diagnosis and explore interventions to ensure that autistic people receive the best possible support.

Vulnerabilty and Mental Health

The research aims to get a broad but detailed representation of types of vulnerability experienced by autistic children and adults, and documate those that may be risk factors for developing anxiety and depression.

Rover's story

By his father, Robert

The Autism Research Centre

At the cutting edge of autism research, the Centre is based in Cambridge and led by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen.

What is the ACE?

The first of its kind here in the UK, the Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE) will be a unique and very special collaboration between autistic people and their families, the work of world-class researchers and excellent clinical services.

Meet the team

Bricks for Autism: LEGO-based therapy for children

Bricks for Autism is a social venture that aims at supporting children with communication and learning disabilities through a therapy of building LEGO models. And whilst helping children with autism develop key skills, it also helps funding vital research.