We partnered on a knowledge exchange project to develop best practice guidelines for social prescribing for autistic adults. The guide makes practical recommendations to make social prescribing more accessible and inclusive for autistic people.
Why this guide matters
Social prescribing can help people connect to meaningful activities and community support. Although it has the potential to improve wellbeing and quality of life, autistic people face barriers to accessing and getting the most from social prescribing. For example, if social prescribing is rushed or poorly matched, an autistic person might feel more anxious and trust services less.
Who it’s for
The guide would be most useful for any professional involved at any part of the social prescribing journey. It is especially relevant to:
- Anyone referring an autistic person to social prescribing. For example, a GP, nurse, or school staff.
- Link workers.
- People who work in community organisations.
- Anyone who commissions or designs services.
- Autistic people, or anyone supporting an autistic person.
Who developed the guide
The Social Biobehavioural Research Group at University College London (UCL) led the project. It was co-produced with autistic adults, caregivers of autistic people, and social prescribing professionals. The team developed the guide through a series of workshops and conversations. Together, they identified barriers, co-developed solutions, and explored examples of best practice.
The potential
By making social prescribing more accessible, more autistic people can access activities, community support and services to help them thrive. This guide will support a broader shift towards inclusive social prescribing services that work better for everyone.