Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support

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Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support A charity supporting autistic people and their families living in the London Borough of Hillingdon

HACS are committed to supporting those affected by the autism spectrum to minimise disability and maximise ability. We work in partnership with Social Services, Health and Education to enhance the range of quality and provision of services for parents and carers of adults and children on the autism spectrum. OUR SERVICES:

A telephone helpline, run by staff trained in Autism providing information, advice & guidance

Family Support Workers providing
individualised support

Training for parents, carers & professionals including workshops & conferences

Outreach education support to early years, primary & secondary schools

Regular Advice surgeries

Outreach support groups

Recreation services with weekly activities for children & young people aged 3 to 25 years

Black History Month Spotlight: Breanna ClarkAs part of our Black History Month series celebrating Black neurodivergent r...
15/10/2026

Black History Month Spotlight: Breanna Clark

As part of our Black History Month series celebrating Black neurodivergent role models, this week we're shining a light on Breanna Clark, a Paralympic gold medallist and world-class sprinter whose achievements continue to inspire people around the world.

Diagnosed with autism and an intellectual impairment as a child, Breanna faced barriers that might have led others to underestimate her potential. Instead, she channelled her determination into athletics, going on to become a Paralympic champion and multiple world record holder.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that neurodivergent people have incredible talents, strengths and potential when they are given opportunities to develop and succeed. Success looks different for everyone, but every achievement starts with someone believing in what is possible.

For many neurodivergent young people, seeing role models like Breanna can help challenge stereotypes and build confidence to pursue their own ambitions, whether in sport, education, employment or the arts.

At HACS, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve their goals.

💜 Representation matters because when people can see someone like themselves succeeding, they are more likely to believe they can succeed too.

What achievement are you most proud of, no matter how big or small?

14/10/2026

ADHD Strengths Matter Too

Conversations about ADHD often focus on challenges, but it's equally important to recognise strengths.

Many people with ADHD describe experiencing:

🔹 Creativity and imagination 🔹 High levels of curiosity 🔹 Passion and enthusiasm 🔹 Resilience 🔹 The ability to make unique connections between ideas

Every neurodivergent person is different, and strengths will vary from individual to individual.

Let's celebrate the contributions that people with ADHD make to our communities, workplaces and families every day.

14/10/2026

💭 Did you know?

Not all hate incidents are physical.

Name-calling, online abuse, intimidation, threats or targeting someone because of a disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity can all be forms of hate.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and seek support.

Awareness is the first step towards action.

💜

12/10/2026

💜 National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in their community.

For many autistic and neurodivergent people, experiences of bullying, harassment and discrimination can have a significant impact on confidence, mental health and wellbeing. Too often, these experiences go unreported.

This National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we're encouraging everyone to learn more about what hate crime is, how to report it, and how we can all play a role in creating kinder, more inclusive communities.

If you see discrimination, challenge it safely. If you experience it, know that support is available and you do not have to face it alone.

Together, we can build communities where difference is understood, valued and celebrated.

💜

12/10/2026

A significant shift in the way support is delivered for autistic people, people with ADHD and those experiencing mental health challenges has been recommended in a new Government-commissioned review.

The review highlights that too many people are waiting months, and sometimes years, for assessment and support. It recommends moving towards a system where people can access help based on their needs, rather than having to wait for a formal diagnosis first.

At HACS, this is something we've long believed. Every day we support autistic people, those with ADHD, and their families through social groups, wellbeing activities, employment support, independent living programmes and community connections.

The review also recognises that diagnosis alone is not enough. What matters is helping people participate in education, employment, family life and their communities.

We're encouraged to see national policy moving closer to the person-centred approach that our community has told us they need for many years.

💙 Support should be available when people need it, not only once a diagnosis has been secured.

Black History Month Spotlight: Chrisette MicheleAs part of our Black History Month series celebrating Black neurodiverge...
08/10/2026

Black History Month Spotlight: Chrisette Michele

As part of our Black History Month series celebrating Black neurodivergent voices, this week we're highlighting Chrisette Michele, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter who recently shared that she was diagnosed as autistic in adulthood.

For many people, receiving a diagnosis later in life can be both emotional and empowering. Chrisette described finally having an explanation for challenges and experiences that had shaped her life for years. Her story shines a light on an important issue: many Black women go undiagnosed or are diagnosed much later because autism can present differently than many people expect.

Too often, autistic women learn to "mask" their differences, working hard to fit in socially while struggling internally. This can lead to years of feeling misunderstood or unsupported. Chrisette's openness is helping to raise awareness and encourage conversations about autism, particularly within Black communities where understanding and representation are still growing.

Her story reminds us that a diagnosis does not define a person. Instead, it can provide understanding, self-acceptance and access to the right support.

At HACS, we believe that everyone deserves to be understood, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

💜 Awareness creates understanding. Understanding creates inclusion.

Have you ever learned something about yourself that suddenly made parts of your life make more sense?

CNWL London Mental Health Support Team Hillingdon is offering the following online parent webinars:Supporting Neurodiver...
07/10/2026

CNWL London Mental Health Support Team Hillingdon is offering the following online parent webinars:

Supporting Neurodivergent Young People’s Wellbeing:

When: Thursday 29 October

Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Supporting Transitions and Change:

When: Fri 27 November

Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm

It is free to join!

Website: www.therosedalehewensacademytrust.co.uk

07/10/2026

ADHD in the Workplace

Did you know that many people with ADHD bring unique strengths to the workplace?

These can include: ✨ Creative thinking ✨ Energy and enthusiasm ✨ Ability to think outside the box ✨ Strong problem-solving skills

However, traditional workplaces aren't always designed with neurodiversity in mind.

Simple adjustments such as clear instructions, flexible working arrangements, quiet workspaces and the use of organisational tools can make a huge difference.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed at work.

Looking for Work? Join Our FREE Talent Brokerage ProgrammeHillingdon Autistic Care & Support (HACS) is delivering a free...
06/10/2026

Looking for Work? Join Our FREE Talent Brokerage Programme

Hillingdon Autistic Care & Support (HACS) is delivering a free Talent Brokerage Programme, funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA), to support disabled people across West London to find and sustain meaningful employment.

We are particularly keen to reach:

Black African and Black Caribbean men aged 18+
Asian women aged 18+
Disabled adults living in West London
People who are job-ready and actively seeking work

Participants can access:

✅ Job matching and brokerage
✅ CV and application support
✅ Connections with inclusive employers
✅ One-to-one employment support
✅ Interview preparation
✅ Ongoing support to secure and sustain employment

Our experienced team works closely with both jobseekers and employers to help people overcome barriers, build confidence and move into suitable employment opportunities.

If you know someone who could benefit from this support, we would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your networks, clients, service users, members, and communities.

For more information or to make a referral:

📧 [email protected]
📞 020 8606 6780
🌐 HACS Skills & Employment

Together, we can help more disabled people access rewarding employment opportunities.

Kind regards,

Courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities run by Learn HillingdonA New evening course specifically ...
06/10/2026

Courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities run by Learn Hillingdon

A New evening course specifically for people with Learning Disabilities, Difficulties and Neurodiverse conditions called Understanding Healthy Relationships and Personal Safety.

The course runs on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for 10 weeks.

During the course, learners will have the opportunity to learn about:

Healthy relationships – understanding what makes a relationship healthy, positive and balanced.
Boundaries and consent – understanding your own personal boundaries and respecting other people's.
Personal safety – ways to stay safe in everyday situations and online.
Communication – developing confidence in expressing your needs, wishes and feelings.
Recognising behaviour – understanding the differences between healthy, unhealthy and harmful behaviour.

After the first 10 weeks, there is also an optional opportunity to attend a further 10-week course during the third academic term, between April and July 2027. This will look in more detail at romantic relationships and sexual health. This is a detailed and explicit course and learners do not have to attend this additional course unless they wish.

Of course there are lots of other courses available too. More information is available here: https://pre.hillingdon.gov.uk/learn-hillingdon/courses-adults-learning-difficulties-disabilities

If any of these sound like something that may be of interest, you can contact Learn Hillingdon on: Courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities | Hillingdon Council of call us on

01895 556455
or
01895 556248

Address

HACS Resource Centre, Dudley Place, Off Pinkwell Lane
Hayes
UB31PB

Telephone

+442086066780

Website

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