About Us

We support neurodivergent children, young people, and families in Norfolk with practical help and community connection.

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Who We Are

Thrive Autism is a registered charity founded in 2024 by Colin Lang MBE and a team of experienced associates. Based in Norfolk, we are dedicated to supporting neurodiverse children and young people aged 0–25, as well as their families and caregivers.

We know that without the right support, many autistic children and their families face isolation, long waiting times for help, and barriers in education and healthcare. Thrive Autism exists to change this, by providing practical support today, and building towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

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Two young girls in matching polka dot dresses sit on a blue couch, reading a book together, with stuffed toys and tea cups nearby.

Support We Offer

Thrive Autism receives many requests for support. Whilst we would love to help everyone, we are currently only able to support families through the services below.

Important Information

We receive many requests for advice and support. Whilst we would dearly love to help everyone, we are unable to provide advice on individual cases.

We are currently only able to support families through the services listed above, subject to our criteria and available funding.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with requests outside of these areas at this time.

How to apply:

  1. Download the relevant application form
  2. Complete the form in full
  3. Email it to colin@thrive-autism.org
  4. Applications are reviewed monthly by our Trustees
  • Autism Diagnosis Support

    We can help families access private autism assessments, subject to our criteria.
    Download Application
  • Therapy Support

    We can contribute towards therapy sessions including art, music, speech and language, subject to our criteria.
    Download Application
  • Family Breaks

    We can support short breaks for families to help with rest and wellbeing, subject to our criteria.

    Download Application
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A woman holding a baby and the hand of a young child stands on a dirt overlook facing a mountain lake surrounded by forested hills.
A group of children stand in a circle outdoors, holding up a large, colorful parachute under a blue sky with clouds.

Our Mission

Our mission is twofold:

“To support and empower families – by promoting and enhancing the physical and mental health of autistic children, young people, and their carers through therapy, respite, advice, and community support.

To educate and raise awareness – by advancing understanding of autism and other neurodivergent conditions in schools, workplaces, and the wider community.”

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Our Vision

"We believe every autistic child has a unique strength, a superpower that should be nurtured and celebrated. Our long-term vision is to create Norfolk’s first state-of-the-art Autism Centre: a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space where children can play, learn, and connect, and families can find the support they need."
  • Short Term

    Year One:
    Deliver immediate, practical support for families through family fun days, EHCP and DLA guidance and funding advice, access to diagnostic services, respite opportunities, and regular parent/carer coffee mornings. These early services help reduce isolation and give families the expert support they need right now.
  • Medium Term

    Year Two:
    Establish a temporary base where we can expand our services to include therapy, sensory support, youth activities, and specialist workshops. Year Two also focuses on growing our volunteer, professional, and community networks to build the foundations of our long-term Autism Centre.
  • Long Term

    Year Three:
    Launch Norfolk’s first purpose-built Autism Centre: a safe, inclusive space with sensory rooms, therapy rooms, soft-play, teen zones, outdoor play areas, a family café, training rooms, community spaces and support hubs for carers and professionals. The Centre will provide long-term stability, specialist care, and a welcoming community under one roof.
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Our Community

At Thrive Autism, we are more than a charity, we are a community. We bring together children, young people, families, carers, professionals, and volunteers to share experiences, find solutions, and create friendships in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Our Aims

Get Involved

We have made a strong start, with a committed team of trustees, volunteers, and partners, but we cannot achieve our vision alone. Whether you can donate, volunteer, or partner with us, your support will help change lives across Norfolk and beyond.

Together, we can ensure that every autistic child and young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Contact Us
Two young girls in matching polka dot dresses sit on a blue couch, reading a book together, with stuffed toys and tea cups nearby.