I'm Autistic, or Think I Might Be
Meet people who get it, build skills for work and living, and get straight answers.
- Join a social group
- Try our work-experience workshops
- Advice on benefits, work & housing
- Explore a diagnosis
Autism support in Norfolk and Suffolk since 1998
Be Understood. Grow Independent.
Friendly, local support for autistic children, young people and adults, with or without a diagnosis, and the families who love them.
Not keen on phone calls? Email us instead. No referral or diagnosis needed to get in touch.
1998Founded by local families
300+People supported every year
2Counties: Norfolk & Suffolk
SE100 Top 100 social enterprise, 2025
Disability Confident employerStart here
Where Would You Like to Begin?
Pick the one that sounds most like you. You can't choose wrong. We'll help you find your way from there.
I'm a Parent or Carer
You don't have to work it all out alone. Find support for your child and for you.
- Monthly parent & carer group
- Children & families activities
- Education & SEND advice
- Hear from other carers
I'm a Professional or Employer
Refer someone, get practical advice, or make your workplace work for autistic people.
Email our teamNo surprises
What Happens When You Get in Touch
Reaching out can feel like a big step. Here's exactly what to expect, so you know what's coming.
Leave a Message
Call 01603 620500 and leave your name and how to reach you. Or email info@asperger.org.uk. Whichever feels easier.
We Get Back to You
A member of our team will contact you. If you'd rather we didn't phone, just say so and we'll stick to email.
We Listen First
We'll talk through what you'd like help with, at your pace. Nothing is decided without you.
Try It Out
Come along to a group or a workshop taster when you feel ready. Bring someone with you if that helps.
How we help
Practical Support for Every Stage of Life
From a first question to a first job, our services fit around what you want, not the other way round.
Advice and Guidance
Experienced advisers help with benefits, employment, housing, education and anything else on your mind. We signpost when someone else can help more.
Get advice →Social Groups
Relaxed, regular evenings in Norwich and Beccles, plus trips out. A place to be yourself with people who understand.
See the groups →Parent and Carer Support
Monthly groups (first Monday in person, second Monday on Zoom), training, home visits and dedicated carer advisers.
Support for families →Personal Support
One-to-one support workers who help you get out into the community and build the skills to live independently. This is a paid-for service.
About personal support →Employment and Training
Employment advisers help you find vacancies, build confidence, and gain real work experience on the road to a job.
Start your journey to work →Diagnostic Assessment
An independent autism assessment clinic in central Norwich, led by a consultant neuropsychiatrist. Fees help fund our charity.
About diagnosis →Workshops in Beccles
Real Skills, in a Real Workplace, at Your Pace
Each workshop is a small working business. Trainees restore and repair donated goods, which we then sell to fund our work.
- Woodwork: furniture restoration, bespoke pieces, sign making. Open Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm.
- Electronics: hands-on repairs, PC building and IT fixes.
- PAT testing: work towards a nationally recognised certificate when you feel ready.
- Personal development plans and techniques for handling everyday stress.
Adult social groups
Know What to Expect Before You Walk In
Popular, friendly and never pushy. Join in or just sit back. Both are completely fine.
WhereNorwich & Beccles
How oftenEvery two weeks
When7pm to 9pm
FormatIn person & on Zoom
The kind of things we get up to:
- Quiz nights
- Board games
- Bingo
- Karaoke
- Show & tell
- Guest speakers
- Bowling
- Gaming café
- Laser tag
- Riverside walks & chips
- Cookery class
- Day trips
Real stories
Small Steps. Life-Changing Results.
My friends at the group accepted me and most importantly, I began to accept and understand myself and my autism.
He has now attended six workshops and what a positive change it has been!
Autism Diagnostic Assessment Clinic, East Anglia
Looking for Answers? Get a Thorough, Expert Assessment.
ADAC-EA is an independent clinic in central Norwich, led by Dr Ekkehart Staufenberg, consultant neuropsychiatrist and one of our longest-serving trustees.
Every assessment looks at your whole life story and includes an in-person interview. A substantial part of each fee is donated to Asperger East Anglia through Gift Aid, so your assessment also helps others.
Register your interest How it works- Where
- Charing Cross Centre, Norwich
- Who it's for
- You, a relative, or someone you support
- Cost
- Currently around £1,500
- Contact
- Diagnosis@asperger.org.uk
Support our work
Help Someone Take Their Next Step Towards Independence
300+
autistic people and family carers across the East of England rely on us every year. Every donation, purchase and lottery ticket keeps that support going.
Make a Donation
Give once or regularly through our secure Total Giving page. Gift Aid adds 25% at no extra cost to you.
Donate nowPlay the One Lottery
80% of your ticket price goes straight to AEA, and you could win too.
Get a ticketGive via PayPal
Quick and easy if you already use PayPal. Prefer a cheque or bank transfer? Email us for details.
Use PayPal
A Shop, Beccles
Books, clothing, DVDs, bric-a-brac and refurbished electronics. 1a Market Street, NR34 9AQ. Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm. Donations welcome.
Record Shop, Beccles
Vinyl, CDs and music kit at 12 Blyburgate, NR34 9TA. Thursday to Saturday, 10am–3pm. Or browse us on eBay.
About us
Started by Families. Still Run With Heart.
Asperger East Anglia was set up in 1998 by local families, led by our Founder and Life President, Marcella Olive MBE.
Over 25 years later we're still independent and still local, supporting people across Norfolk and Suffolk. We help people with a diagnosis, people still looking for answers, and everyone around them, while raising awareness of autism in our community.
Our storyMarcella Olive MBE
Founder and Life President. Brought families together in 1998 to create the support that didn't yet exist.
Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott
Patron. A clinical psychologist with over 25 years in autism research, including a decade at Cambridge's Autism Research Centre.
Charity no. 1074699
Registered charity. Our trading arm, Asperger Community Developments Ltd, runs our shops and workshops.
Good questions
Things People Often Ask Us
Do I need a diagnosis to get support?
No. We support people who have a diagnosis and people who think they might be autistic, as well as their families and carers.
Where do you work?
Across Norfolk and Suffolk. Our office is in central Norwich and our shops and workshops are in Beccles. Many groups also meet online.
I find phone calls hard. Can I just email?
Absolutely. Email info@asperger.org.uk and tell us how you'd like us to contact you.
Can I try a group before committing?
Yes. You're very welcome to come along and see how it feels. If you'd like more information or support before your first visit, that's fine too.
Do your services cost anything?
Some services, such as one-to-one personal support, are paid for. We'll always explain any costs clearly before you decide anything.
Is "Asperger syndrome" still used?
Asperger syndrome is now diagnosed as part of the autism spectrum. Many people still identify with the term, and we welcome everyone, whatever words they use for themselves.
Get in touch
Ready When You Are
There's no wrong reason to contact us. Leave a message with your name and how to reach you, and a member of our team will get back to you.
Norwich Office
Charing Cross Centre
17–19 St. John Maddermarket
Norwich NR2 1DN
Beccles Shop and Workshops
1a Market Street
Beccles NR34 9AQ
01502 471061
