Contact Us

Absolutely. Membership is free and open to autistic adults, parents, carers, and allies living in Buckinghamshire.
We hold monthly online meetings (Zoom) and in-person gatherings in central Aylesbury, close to the church.
Invitations are emailed to all members a week in advance — you can choose which to attend, or none at all.

Our focus is on people who live, study, or work in Buckinghamshire.
If you’re nearby (e.g. East Berkshire or Oxfordshire), we can share information, but you might prefer a local group such as:

• Berkshire Autistic Society – autismberkshire.org.uk

• Autism Oxford UK – autismoxford.org.uk

Autism Bucks offers a mix of online and in-person sessions, including informal social meetups.

We don’t provide a formal transport service, but for some events we occasionally help coordinate lifts or arrange a pick-up from a nearby railway station, depending on availability.

Members are encouraged to join the wider community, as many find the peer connections just as valuable as the events themselves.

Autism Bucks provides:

• A welcoming community for autistic adults and families

• Monthly online and in-person meetups

• Information sharing and peer support

• Occasional workshops and guest talks

Our aim is to make Buckinghamshire a more autism-friendly place — not to replace statutory or clinical services.

We’re sorry, but Autism Bucks isn’t a counselling or mental health service.
We’re a small volunteer-led community group run by and for autistic adults.
If you need emotional support, you might find these useful:

• Mind – mental health information and local services: mind.org.uk

• Samaritans – free, confidential listening 24/7: call 116 123

• NHS 111 – for urgent but not emergency mental health help

We do offer a listening ear at our meetings, but we can’t provide therapy or crisis intervention.

Autism Bucks doesn’t carry out or arrange assessments.
However, your GP can refer you for an NHS autism assessment.
For private assessments or advice on waiting lists, you can find information on:

• National Autistic Society (NAS) – autism.org.uk/diagnosis

• Autism Oxford UK and Autonomy Plus – independent services with good reputations in the region

We’re not able to recommend or endorse specific providers. However, the Autism Services Directory from the National Autistic Society allows you to search for diagnostic services, including some that offer assessments through the NHS “Right to Choose” pathway. You can use this to explore options and then discuss them with your GP, who would need to make the referral.

We aren’t an advocacy service and can’t contact employers, councils, or housing providers on your behalf.
However, the following organisations may be able to help:

• POhWER – independent advocacy and advice: pohwer.net

• Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire – free advice on housing, benefits, and employment

• National Autistic Society – Employment Support

• Shaw Trust or Advance – supported employment and training

You’re always welcome to join Autism Bucks for community and peer support while pursuing these routes.

Autism Bucks is a small, volunteer-run community group. We are not employment advisers or career coaches, and we cannot help with job searches, job applications, workplace disputes, or decisions about changing roles.

What we do offer is a friendly community where autistic adults in Buckinghamshire can share experiences and support one another.

If you need practical help with employment, the following organisations may be useful:

Access to Work (DWP) – Funding for workplace support, coaching and adjustments.

ACAS – Free advice on reasonable adjustments and workplace rights.

Able Futures – Free mental-health-related support to help people stay in work.

Shaw Trust / Work & Health Programme – Specialist employment support.

National Careers Service – Career planning and changing-job guidance.

Autism-specific employment support (e.g., Ambitious About Autism – Employ Autism, Exceptional Individuals, Auticon).

Autistic adults who live in Buckinghamshire are welcome to join Autism Bucks to connect with others who may have similar experiences.

Autism Bucks does not provide clinical or therapeutic support, and we are not able to treat eating difficulties or sensory-related food issues directly.

However, we recognise that sensory-based eating challenges are common among autistic people, and that these are often misunderstood or not well supported by traditional eating-disorder services, which tend to focus on anorexia or bulimia.
If you or your family member is looking for support, the following types of professionals are usually the most appropriate to contact:

Professionals who may be able to help:

– Occupational Therapists (OTs) with experience in sensory integration
– Speech & Language Therapists (SLTs) who specialise in feeding or sensory eating difficulties
– Autism-aware dieticians who understand restricted diets linked to sensory sensitivities
– Private feeding specialists who work with autistic adults rather than children only

When contacting a provider, it’s helpful to ask:

– Whether they have experience working with autistic adults
– Whether they support sensory-based food avoidance (rather than eating disorders)
– What their approach is to expanding food choices gradually and safely.

Useful directories include:

– Royal College of Occupational Therapists
– HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) Register
– British Dietetic Association (BDA)
– Autism-specific therapy networks

Support from Autism Bucks:

While we can’t offer therapy or treatment, autistic adults in Buckinghamshire are very welcome to join Autism Bucks for peer support and community connection.    Many of our members have similar experiences with food, routine, and sensory sensitivities, and find reassurance in talking to others who understand.

Membership is free and there is no obligation to attend regularly: https://autism-bucks.charity/new-member/

No. Autism Bucks doesn’t have paid staff or a helpline.
We communicate mainly by email and at group meetings.
This helps us keep things fair and sustainable for everyone.

Autism Bucks is a small, volunteer-run community group. We cannot provide:

– befriending or buddy schemes
– one-to-one support
– home visits or outreach
– transport assistance

– help accompanying someone into the community.

We simply do not have the staff, funding or safeguarding framework required to deliver individualised support.

What we can offer is a friendly peer community for autistic adults living in Buckinghamshire. Members are welcome to attend our monthly online meetings and our in-person sessions in Aylesbury. Some people join with a support worker if they need help to participate.

Our online meetings are often the easiest first step for those who find travel or unfamiliar environments difficult. These sessions are relaxed, low-pressure, and there is no expectation to speak.

Membership is free, with no obligation to attend regularly. Anyone who wishes to join can do so here:
👉 https://autism-bucks.charity/new-member/

Yes! Parents and carers are welcome to join our community.
We can’t offer professional advice, but we can share experience and signpost helpful resources.
We also occasionally hold sessions for carers to connect and support one another.

No. Autism Bucks is a charity for autistic adults and for the parents/carers of autistic children. Our meetings and activities are designed specifically for adults, and we do not invite or accommodate children at any of our events.

This is not a matter of preference. It relates to our charitable remit, safeguarding arrangements and our insurance cover

In order to provide a safe, appropriate environment for our adult members, we do not include children in our meetings or visits.

If you are looking for activities suitable for children or young people, we recommend contacting organisations specifically focused on supporting autistic children and families.

Autism Bucks does not currently run a dedicated support group specifically for autistic parents or autistic mothers. We are a small, volunteer-run community and don’t have the capacity to manage specialist sub-groups.

However, many of our members are parents, and some are autistic parents of young children. Our regular online and in-person meetings often include people who understand the challenges of parenting while autistic, and members frequently find it reassuring to talk with others who share similar experiences.

Autistic adults living in Buckinghamshire (including parents and carers) are very welcome to join Autism Bucks as members:
👉 https://autism-bucks.charity/new-member/

If you are looking for more focused support around parenting, you may also find the following helpful:

• National Autistic Society (NAS) – resources for autistic parents and parents of autistic children

• Mind / NHS Talking Therapies – mental health support, including for post-natal depression

• Local perinatal and parent support groups – some have experience supporting autistic parents if you let them know your needs

We’re always happy to keep an eye on interest; if more autistic parents join us, we may consider informal meet-ups or discussions in the future.

We understand how important relationships are, but Autism Bucks is not a dating service.

For safeguarding reasons, we can’t help individuals meet partners.

However, we offer friendly social meetings where autistic adults can build confidence and friendships in a safe setting.

If you’re looking for resources on relationships and sexuality, try:

• National Autistic Society – Relationships

• Respond Charity – relationships and safeguarding support

• Relate – counselling for relationship and social skills

Autism Bucks can’t investigate complaints or take legal action.
If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your autism, you can contact:

• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) – free guidance on the Equality Act 2010: equalityadvisoryservice.com

• POhWER – for advocacy and support

• Citizens Advice – for practical next steps

You’re always welcome to tell us about your experience if you’d like us to understand what autistic people in Buckinghamshire are facing.

Autism Bucks has no direct knowledge of lawyers specialising in this area, but we are aware of some:

Thomas Mansfield Solicitors:  Neurodiversity discrimination (autism, ADHD) in employment; helping neurodivergent employees with reasonable adjustments.   (London & South East; remote consultations available.)   https://www.tmemploymentlaw.co.uk/employees/discrimination/disability/neurodiversity/

Didlaw:  Boutique employment law firm specialising in disability discrimination, mental health and neurodivergence.   (London-based; clearly emphasises neurodiversity)   https://didlaw.com/

Lawson West Solicitors:  Employment law team experienced with autism, Asperger’s & ASD discrimination claims.   (Offices in Leicester & Market Harborough; national service offering)   https://www.lawson-west.co.uk/services/employment-law-for-employees/discrimination/disability-discrimination/autism-aspergers-asd/

Thackray Williams Solicitors:  Neurodiversity discrimination in workplace;  offers guidance tailored to neurodivergent clients.   (London; experience with neurodiverse clients)   https://www.thackraywilliams.com/individuals/neurodiversity-discrimination-in-the-workplace

Talem Law:  Employment law, Special Educational Needs & disability discrimination specialists; while more education-SEN heavy, they cover disability law.   (UK-wide; broad disability/employment focus)   https://talemlaw.co.uk/

Unfortunately we cannot recommend one firm over another.

No. Autism Bucks is not able to provide grants, bursaries, sponsorship, or financial support for professional training, qualifications, or courses.

We are a small, volunteer-run charity and our governing document does not allow us to award funding to individuals, even where the training relates to autism or neurodiversity.

We are always pleased to hear from professionals who are choosing to develop autism-specific skills and knowledge, and we wish them every success, but unfortunately we cannot offer financial assistance.

Two of our Trustees are trained to help members complete their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms.   This is a discretionary service and is only available to members.

You may find this document useful:  PIP Review Guide

Members receive invitations to meetings and newsletters automatically.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please use the Contact Us form on this webpage — we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.