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When you experience the world differently

Autism Support Across The North East

Specialist support for autistic adults, children, and their families, tailored to each person's unique experience.

  • 44 Practitioners
  • 6 North East clinics
  • Free First Pathway call

Understanding autism

Autism is not a disorder to be fixed. It is a different way of being.

Autism spectrum disorder affects how a person communicates, processes information, and experiences the world. The spectrum is wide and varied. Some autistic people have high support needs; others live and work independently. What they share is a neurological difference that shapes how they relate to the world and to other people.

For many people, autism is not identified until adulthood, often after years of feeling different, struggling in ways others do not seem to, or seeking help for anxiety or depression without understanding the underlying picture. A late diagnosis can bring both relief and a need to make sense of a lifetime of experiences.

Therapy for autism is not about making someone appear less autistic. It is about helping people understand themselves, manage the challenges their environment creates, and build a life that fits who they are.

Common signs

How autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows up, and what can help

Common signs

  • Difficulty reading social cues or unspoken rules
  • Taking language literally and missing implied meanings
  • Strong preference for routines and difficulty with change
  • Intense focus on specific interests or topics
  • Sensitivity to sensory input: sound, light, texture, or touch
  • Finding it hard to make or maintain friendships
  • Feeling exhausted after social interactions
  • Saying what you mean without social filtering

Therapies that can help

Different people respond to different approaches. Your therapist agrees a personalised plan with you, which may draw on:

The Pathway Team matches you to a therapist experienced in supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), at your chosen location.

A simple first move

Not sure where to start? Talk it through with the Pathway Team.

Request a callback

Who you might work with

Therapists with expertise in supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Browse the full team, or let the Pathway Team match you.

When to reach out

Whether you have a diagnosis or not, support is available.

You do not need a formal autism diagnosis to access therapy at Select Psychology. If you or your child is struggling, that is enough reason to get in touch.

The Pathway Team can help you find the right support, whether that is therapeutic work for co-occurring difficulties, a referral pathway for assessment, or Child Psychology services. A free Pathway call is the place to start.

Where we offer this

Support for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the North East

Select Psychology Tynemouth clinic, coastal view

Tynemouth

1 Tynemouth Road, NE30 4AY

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Select Psychology Newcastle Gosforth clinic

Newcastle

The Grainger Suite, Dobson House, Regent Centre, NE3 3PF

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Questions before you start

What people usually ask

1 What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and process the world around them. It is a spectrum, meaning it presents very differently from person to person. Autism is not an illness, but with the right support, autistic people can develop strategies that allow them to thrive in ways that matter to them.

2 Can therapy help autistic adults?

Yes. Therapy does not aim to change who someone is. For autistic adults, therapy can help with co-occurring difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which are common alongside autism. It can also help people understand their own profile of strengths and challenges, improve relationships, and navigate environments that were not designed with their needs in mind.

3 What therapies are most helpful for autism?

CBT adapted for autism can be effective, particularly for managing anxiety and other co-occurring conditions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is increasingly used because it focuses on values and flexible thinking. Family Therapy can be valuable where family dynamics are affected. The right approach always depends on the individual and what they are finding most difficult.

4 My child may be autistic. What should I do?

If you have concerns about your child, speaking with your GP is a good first step towards a formal assessment. Select Psychology also offers Child Psychology services and can provide support whether or not a diagnosis is in place. A free Pathway call with our team is a good place to start discussing what kind of support would suit your child best.

In the meantime

Small things that can help right now.

  • Acknowledge your feelings rather than pushing them aside
  • Keep a consistent routine to provide daily stability
  • Talk to someone you trust about what is hard
  • Build in time to recharge after social situations
  • Notice your strengths: they are real and they matter

From the blog

Helpful reading on this

Get in touch

Ready to feel heard?

Leave your details and a member of our Pathway Team will be in touch, usually within one working day. Or call us directly on 0191 258 0008.

  • Confidential and judgement-free
  • No obligation, no pressure to book
  • No GP referral needed
Pathway Team available now

How can we help?

100% confidential, and only ever read by our Pathway Team.

Phone lines open Mon to Thu 8.30am to 5pm, Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm

Call Request a callback