Mission Statement

Transforming support for neurodivergent children and families through practical help, inclusive spaces, and community.

Two adults swing a smiling child between them while walking on grass in a park-like area with trees and a building in the background.

Our Mission

Founded in 2024 by Colin Lang MBE, Thrive Autism is a registered charity based in Norwich, Norfolk designed to support young neurodiverse individuals between the ages of 0 to 25, along with their family and caregivers.

Our long-term mission is to establish a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive Autism Centre in Norfolk. This centre will feature a range of state-of-the-art facilities tailored to the needs of neurodiverse children and their families. These include a soft-play area, café, projection room, sensory room with cutting-edge equipment, therapy rooms, music therapy spaces, training rooms, an outdoor play area, sensory garden, and a birthday party room to name a few.

But we realise this won’t happen overnight and we need a lot of support to reach our goals!

About Thrive
Two children sit on the floor facing a shelf, one reaching into an orange storage bin and the other holding a toy airplane.
Two children sit on the floor facing a shelf, one reaching into an orange storage bin and the other holding a toy airplane.
Several young children sit at a classroom table, working on assignments with papers and pencils. A boy in a green shirt is in the foreground, focused on his work.
Two children lie on grass, surrounded by colorful foam blocks, holding geometric shapes to their faces and looking up.

Our Plans

We realise our dream won’t happen overnight. In the interim, our plans are as follows:

  • Short Term (Year One): Deliver practical support including family fun days, EHCP and DLA guidance and funding, access to diagnostic services, respite opportunities, and parent/carer coffee mornings with expert advice.
  • Medium Term (Year Two): Establish a temporary base, expand services to include therapy, sensory support, and youth activities, and grow our volunteer and professional teams.
  • Long Term (Years Three-Five): Launch our Autism Centre in Norfolk, complete with sensory rooms, therapy spaces, a teen zone, outdoor play areas, and a community café.
Donate Today

Creating a Welcoming Environment

At Thrive Autism, we are deeply committed to creating a welcoming environment where young people can play, connect, and build friendships free from judgment or fear. We also strive to foster a supportive community where families and caregivers can share experiences, offer mutual guidance, and find a sense of belonging. This space will provide opportunities for short-term respite while celebrating and nurturing the unique qualities of children with ASD.

Through this phased approach, we aim not only to provide practical help and respite today, but also to build a lasting legacy that transforms the landscape of neurodivergent support in Norfolk, fostering acceptance, resilience, and belonging for all.

About Thrive
Two young children in warm clothing play with toy construction trucks outside on fallen autumn leaves.