Where this guide's information comes from

Fact sheets on autism prevalence, care standards and human rights — including the position that support should focus on needs and abilities, not labels.

Runs the ADDM Network, the largest ongoing autism prevalence tracking in the US, plus plain-language explainers on early signs and screening.

Clear, jargon-free pages on what autism is, signs in children and adults, and what a diagnostic assessment involves.

The UK's national clinical guideline on recognising, referring to and supporting autistic adults — evidence-graded and regularly reviewed.

Publishes the DSM-5 criteria that define autism spectrum disorder in clinical practice worldwide.

The UK's largest autism charity — practical guidance on employment, education, sensory needs and diagnosis, much of it shaped by autistic advisors.

Funds autism research chosen with the autistic community — including work on anxiety, life expectancy and employment outcomes.

One of Australia's leading autism research centres, with a strong focus on autistic adults and community wellbeing.

Policy and advocacy run entirely by autistic people. Their “Nothing About Us Without Us” materials are a good antidote to pity-based narratives.

Community, safety and advocacy resources centring women and nonbinary autistic people — groups that are diagnosed late and misdiagnosed often.