www.sheffieldautisticsociety.org.uk
Charity Number 1024174
Here is a round-up of information and news for January 2026.
For information and resources on all age groups and support available please see attached PDF Autism Resources for All
Latest News
Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group
January Meeting
Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month. For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom.
The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 29 January from 7pm until 8.30pm:
Everyone welcome – new members too!
Please contact Helen for more information at helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk and she will send you the joining details if you wish to come along and let
you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.
Autism Alert Card SY Police
South Yorkshire Police offer a free Autism Alert Card to help autistic people. The scheme has been developed with the help of the National Autistic Society
“The free, credit-card sized, Autism Alert cards are now in circulation to help police and other emergency services workers communicate with autistic residents more effectively, helping those on the autism spectrum feel more comfortable in what perhaps could potentially be an extremely stressful or frightening situation.”
For details of how to obtain your card see: https://southyorks.police.uk/sign-up/autism-alert-or-learning-disability-alert-card/
Mental Health Bill receives Royal Assent
The new Mental Health Act has received Royal Assent, meaning it is now law. Our charity’s response is included below.
Mel Merritt, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, said:
“This is a huge step forwards in ending inappropriate detentions of autistic people in mental health hospitals and is the result of dedicated campaigning from thousands of autistic people and their families. But the work doesn’t end here.
“With 1,465 autistic people still detained in mental health hospitals, these vital changes must come into force as soon as possible. We look forward to working with the Government on its commitment to work with people with lived experience and other experts on a roadmap to develop the right community support for autistic people. This must begin as soon as possible.”
The Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS)
A specialist service consisting of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team responsible for the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
SAANS provides a diagnostic service for Sheffield residents and primarily focusses on autism. SAANS is also commissioned to provide a limited amount of post diagnostic support
to people struggling to cope with the impact of autism. In cases where other difficulties are identified SAANS will signpost or refer on to other services offered by SHPU as appropriate.
SAANS currently offers a limited service to those seeking an assessment for possible ADHD and those with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD and
requiring pharmacological intervention (taking medication).
We are also able to provide consultation and advice to other services providing support to autistic people or people suspected as being autistic.
We are an adult service and can accept referrals from people aged 16 years and over for ASD assessment and post-diagnostic support and 18 and over for ADHD assessment and medication.
For further information about referrals and waiting lists please see https://www.sheffieldpartnership.nhs.uk/services/sheffield-adult-autism-and-neurodevelopmental-service-saans
Parent Carer Forum Peer Support Service
Our Peer Support Service is available to all parents of children and young people (0-25 years) with additional needs in Sheffield. A formal diagnosis is not required.
All of our Peer Support Workers have lived experience of caring for a child with additional needs and a good understanding of local services.
The Peer Support Service provides:
- Information, advice and signposting to relevant services
- Confidential one-to-one support via telephone, video call or face-to-face meeting in a community space (flexible appointment times)
- Information sessions about common issues
- Peer Support Groups where parents and carers can meet others who face similar challenges (see below)
One-to-one support
If you feel you would benefit from a more in-depth conversation about your situation you may wish to access one-to-one support sessions.
These are confidential conversations via telephone, video call or face-to-face meeting in a community space.
Flexible appointment times are available to meet your needs.
If you would like a 1-1 appointment, please complete our request form.
Alternatively, call our main number 0300 321 4721 and select option 1 for our Peer Support Service, or email peersupport@sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk
Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions
Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:
- Preparation for adulthood
- Neurodivergence and anxiety
- SEND drop-in at the Grand Mosque
- Introduction to autism
- Understanding sensory needs
For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum
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