Autism Support
Taking care of a person with autism can be emotionally and physically demanding. This is why self-care is also essential.
We can help you access information, advice and support including:
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Free Autism Training for carers
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Activities and workshops
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Information and guidance to help you in your caring role.
ASD Carers Meetups
You are welcome to join us once a month for a chat over a nice hot drink. Our staff are on hand to offer support, advice and answer any questions. It is also an opportunity to share experiences with other carers for someone with ASD and support one another.
Ribble Valley
3rd Friday of every month, 10am - 12pm
Colbourne House Cafe, 15 Wellgate, Clitheroe, BB7 2DP
Hyndburn
1st Thursday of every month, 10am - 12pm
Carers Link Lancashire Community Facility, Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 1LE
Burnley
1st Friday of every month, 10am - 12pm
Down Town, Charter Walk Shopping Centre, Burnley, BB11 1PY
Rossendale
2nd Thursday of every month, 10am - 12pm
The Maden Centre, Rochdale Road, Bacup, OL13 9NZ
Pendle
2nd Friday of every month, 1pm - 14:30pm
Colne Charity Shop, 59 Market Street, Colne, BB8 0LL
Cygnet Autism Training Course
Our free Cygnet Autism training programme has been developed by Barnardo's in collaboration with carers. The course is designed to create a supportive environment for carers, and a chance to meet other carers who may be experiencing similar challenges and to provide information that can help you to consider, adapt, and reinforce the way you support your child. If you book onto one of our training sessions we ask that you attend all sessions, and are open to participating in the course activities and remember to keep confidential the information shared by other attendees.
Burnley (April - May 2026)
wednesdays 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Down Town,
Charter walk Shopping Centre,
Burnley, BB11 1PY
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15th April 2026
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22nd April 2026
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29th April 2026
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6th May 2026
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13th May 2026
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20th May 2026
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27th May 2026
Evening Course: Oswaldtwistle,
July - August 2026
Book a Place:
We now offer online booking forms for our courses, click on the link below and complete our online form, choosing which course you'd like to attend. You will receive an email to confirm your booking.
Colne (June - July 2026)
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Colne Library,
Market Street,
Colne, BB8 0AP
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10th June 2026
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17th June 2026
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24th June 2026
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1st July 2026
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8th July 2026
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15th July 2026
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22nd July 2026
Clitheroe (September - October 2026)
Clitheroe Family Hub,
Wesleyan Row, Parson Lane,
Clitheroe, BB7 2JY
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16th September 2026
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23rd September 2026
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30th September 2026
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7th October 2026
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14th October 2026
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21st October 2026
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28th October 2026
"Very beneficial, helped to know I'm not alone with this journey".
Autism Support Guide
We have developed a guide for services and local support, though we do recommend that you contact each group as they may be operating differently.
You can find a copy of our Autism Support Guide by
If you run a community support group and wish to appear in the guide, please call us on (01254) 387444 or email info@carerslinklancashire.co.uk.
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ASD Carers Story
Kylie's Story in her own words
* Carers real name has been changed for anonymity*
"The team truly went above and beyond"
"I first came across Carers Link Lancashire when I saw the ASD Cygnet training course for parents and carers advertised on social media. As a parent caring for my daughter, who has Autism, is nonspeaking, and has PICA disorder, I was eager to find ways to better support her. I had heard that the Cygnet course was one of the most helpful available, so I called up right away, registered, and was booked onto the 7-week programme.
When I first attended the Cygnet course, I felt a bit overwhelmed, but that quickly changed. The welcoming and supportive atmosphere created by the trainers and the group of parents and carers helped me feel comfortable. I felt heard, valued, and part of a community.
At the time, I was also facing challenges with finding permanent housing after relocating to a new area, and I was struggling to access the right support for my daughter’s complex needs. Laura, the ASD Support Officer, took the time to speak with me after the Cygnet sessions to understand my situation. She reached out to local organisations on my behalf, and within just a few days, I was offered further support I needed from them.
When the Cygnet training ended, I made sure to leave feedback, as I had found the course incredibly informative across many areas. The team truly went above and beyond.
My daughter and I are now settled in our new ‘forever’ home, and I’ve gained a renewed sense of confidence after completing the Cygnet course.
Recently, Carers Link has also supported me in securing a grant for a short break, so I am now able to enjoy a lovely caravan holiday over the summer!"
Burnley FC Sensory Room
Burnley FC's brand-new sensory room is a specially designed and designated space for those with special educational needs (SEN) or sensory processing issues, to be able to watch a Burnley FC match at Turf Moor, away from the noise of the crowds.
The Sensory Room offers a safe and calming space with unrestricted views of the pitch from behind a sound-proof glass window.
To express your interest in the Sensory Room at Burnley FC, please fill out the form here.
To find out more, click here: TURF MOOR SENSORY ROOM | BurnleyFC (burnleyfootballclub.com)
Autism and Sleep Guide - Spectrum Gaming
Many autistic young people struggle with sleep, but also find that typical "sleep hygiene strategies" often aren't helpful.
Spectrum Gaming have written a guide to autism and sleep! The guide is free to use, access and share and can be downloaded here.
Other information services
Autism Service Directory - find services in your area
The directory helps autistic people, their families and the professionals who work with them to find local and national services. It includes residential, supported living and respite, employment support, diagnostic, schools and nurseries, social groups and leisure activities, solicitors and advocacy organisations.
https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory
Counselling Directory - Autism support
Counselling Directory is a trusted platform that makes it easier for individuals to find professional counsellors, all of whom have provided proof of membership with a recognised professional body.
The following autism page offers supportive information and guidance for individuals, parents, and carers. The page explores how counselling can help, what to expect, and how to find the right therapist: Autism Support | What is Autism? - Counselling Directory
As a trusted platform referenced by the NHS and Mind, and holding the PIF TICK for reliable information, they are dedicated to offering trustworthy and helpful information for those who need it most.
EBSA - Emotionally based school avoidance guidance and training
It is not uncommon for children and young people to worry about school. For some children, however, that worry can become so great that they may have difficulties in attending school. If your child has high levels of anxiety and is finding it difficult to attend school, they may be experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
Your child is not alone with this issue as it is suggested that 1-5% of the school population experience EBSA. Your child may have worries about their peer relationships, bullying, their teachers or about being away from home.
This guidance has been produced by Lancashire Educational Psychology Service and is based on the current evidence base/best practice guidance, as well as understanding of our local context, regarding supportive strategies associated with positive outcomes for pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). This has been developed as part of an action research project and incorporates the views and experiences of Lancashire pupils, parents/carers and educational settings.
Parents whose children with autism can head to the school anxiety and school avoidance (EBSA parental guidance)
Lancashire and Cumbria Autism Support hub
Free advice, support and guidance for autistic children.
The Lancashire and Cumbria Autism Support Hub is a brand-new dedicated space that brings autistic people, clinicians, and like-minded parents with real experiences together to share knowledge, ideas and experiences.
Lancashire and Cumbria autism support hub - Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council Inclusion Service
The Inclusion Service (previously the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or SEND Service) advises and supports parents, carers, families, and professionals with the additional needs of children and young people.
Inclusion Service - Lancashire County Council
Lancashire Outreach Service
A community based service providing support to individuals in the community and at home. We are an autism specific outreach service that offers highly tailored support packages. We encourage the people we support to develop their independent living skills and take part in activities in their community.
National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk)
Lancashire SEND IAS
Lancashire SEND IAS is a statutory service that provides information, advice and support on special educational needs and disability (SEND).What we do at Lancashire SEND IAS - Lancashire SEND (lancssendias.org.uk)
Pendle Support
Pendle Support are a Domiciliary ( Home ) Care Service providing support services to people in East Lancashire and Pendle. We specialise in providing support for people with Learning Disabilities who may have associated Physical Disabilities and Mental Health issues.
Pendle Support – A leading provider of Social Care and Support in East Lancashire and Pendle
Pluss
Pluss is an award-winning social enterprise that provides intensive support to help people discover their unique potential in work. We deliver a range of employability and wellbeing programmes on behalf of businesses, local authorities and the NHS. With a proven track record spanning more than 45 years, we are recognised as one of the leading social enterprises in the UK. Our purpose is to empower people to discover and realise their unique potential.
Sibs
Sibs provides various helpful guides for adult siblings of people with a lifelong learning disability and/or autism.
Spectrum North West
Assessments, therapies and interventions for neurodivergent children and adults.
At Spectrum, they currently assess for autism and ADHD, alongside other assessments such as cognitive ability, speech and language profile and sensory processing differences. They provide assessments for children with SEND in education, and recognise the gender bias against women and girls in diagnostic assessments and adapt our assessments accordingly.
They also provide Pathological Demand Avoidance profiling and develop effective strategies to help those with a PDA-profile of autism better understand themselves, and help others to understand their needs.
Head to https://spectrumnorthwest.org/
Sunshine Support
Advice, support and consultancy in the following areas:
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Requesting statutory needs assessments, managing the assessment process and advising on mediation and appeals (EHCPs & IDPs)
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Applying for disability benefits (PIP and DLA)
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Supporting, and representing, at tribunals
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Pre-Action Protocol (PAP) Letters
Head to Parents - Sunshine Support (sunshine-support.org)