Autism Central is a peer education programme, commissioned by NHS England. It aims to build knowledge and understanding of autism and empower families and carers to advocate for autistic people they support.

Local support helps families to get the right understanding and adjustments in place across the services they use.

Autism Central Hubs offer guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people. All of the sessions are run by Peer Educators. These are parents or carers of autistic people, who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. They offer group and one-to-one sessions to help you and other parents and carers find the information and services available in your area.

Hubs may also run events such as workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings or virtual meet-ups.

Autism Central is delivered in the East of England by Essex County Council in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.