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What The Autism Info Centre is all about
The Autism Info Center is an organisation founded by an autistic author and care worker, Peter J. Clark, who is absolutely passionate about building a greater understanding and acceptance of autism and neurodiversity, not only at home but in the community, workplaces, educational establishments, healthcare settings, government bodies and institutions, and in local and national authorities, everywhere.
What we believe
Our core belief is that all autistic people - and indeed anyone who's neurodiverse or has any other disability - must feel understood, accepted, equal, included, respected, and well supported in a personalised and life-affirming way in every situation and setting.
Our Mission
Our entire mission is to provide free, unbiased, easy-to-understand information to help the whole of society build a supportive world in which everyone can live, grow, integrate, and thrive together. It's a big journey but we'll get there in small steps!
What we do
We provide a wide range of free, unbiased resources - including in-depth articles, informative videos, engaging podcast episodes, insightful books, global autism news, helpful resources, and training courses - all carefully planned to offer reliable insights into the diverse world of autism and neurodivergent experiences.
Whether you are an autistic person, a family member, a friend, a carer, an educator, an employer, a healthcare or other professional, or simply someone who's keen to learn more, our aim is to be your trusted source of help, advice, practical ideas and information. And if you'd like a little staff or team training on any of the subjects we specialise in, we offer budget-friendly 1 or 2 hour training courses using Microsoft Teams video conferencing.
Why do we do this?
We are driven by the desire to build a more informed, inclusive, equitable and compassionate world. All we want to do is make the world a happier, safer, more fulfilling and enjoyable place for people with autism and other neurodivergent disabilities.
We're not doing this for any commercial purpose other than simply earning enough from our Amazon book sales, video/podcast commission, and training courses to be able to keep this ever-expanding project going. We invite you to explore our resources and join us on this life-affirming journey of learning and discovery!
What are we promoting?
Our work is guided by a commitment to our Founder's thirty Life Improvement Principles, most of which are sadly lacking throughout society all around the world. Here's are the principles we're striving to promote:
Understanding We aim to deepen the collective understanding of autism and neurodiversity by providing clear, evidence-based information. Our resources are designed to help individuals, families, and professionals develop appropriate, effective, and sensitive approaches to support, moving beyond stereotypes to appreciate the nuances of diverse neurological experiences.Acceptance We champion the wholehearted acceptance of neurodiversity in all its forms. Through our educational materials, we seek to encourage society to move beyond mere tolerance, fostering environments where autistic and neurodivergent individuals are truly valued for who they are and can live authentically.Respect We believe respect is the cornerstone of all positive interactions and support. Our resources emphasise the importance of acknowledging the inherent worth and dignity of every autistic and neurodivergent individual, promoting approaches that honour their perspectives and autonomy.Dignity We advocate upholding the self-respect and inherent worth of every individual. Our information encourages practices and attitudes that ensure autistic and neurodivergent people are treated with the consideration and esteem they rightfully deserve in all settings.Individuality We promote the critical importance of recognising and responding to each person's unique profile. Our resources encourage tailoring support and understanding to the specific needs, preferences, strengths, and goals of each autistic or neurodivergent individual, rejecting one-size-fits-all approaches.Empowerment We strive to provide information that enables autistic and neurodivergent individuals to gain control over their lives, make informed choices, and advocate effectively for themselves. Our resources aim to equip individuals with knowledge and tools to navigate the world with confidence.Independence We support the goal of fostering self-reliance and autonomy to the greatest extent appropriate for each individual. Our materials highlight strategies and approaches that help autistic and neurodivergent people develop skills and access opportunities for independent living and decision-making.Listening We emphasise the profound importance of truly hearing and valuing what an individual communicates, whether verbally or non-verbally. Our resources aim to enhance understanding of diverse communication styles within the autistic and neurodivergent communities, promoting active and empathetic listening.Kindness We believe kindness is a core human quality that should underpin all interactions and care practices. Through our content, we encourage compassionate and considerate approaches in all dealings related to autism and neurodiversity.Strengths We advocate for a strengths-based perspective by providing information that helps in identifying and building upon the inherent talents, skills, and interests of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, fostering their potential and self-esteem.Well-being We are committed to promoting the overall holistic health, happiness, and quality of life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Our resources aim to provide information that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Inclusion We work towards a society where autistic and neurodivergent individuals are valued and active participants in all aspects of life. Our resources are designed to educate and inspire communities, schools, and workplaces to become more inclusive and accessible.Empathy We strive to foster empathy by providing insights that help people connect with and understand the perspectives and feelings of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, building bridges of understanding and compassion.Trust We aim to provide information that helps in building reliable, consistent, and secure relationships between autistic individuals, their families, and their support networks, highlighting the importance of trust as a foundation for positive interaction.Validation We promote the importance of acknowledging and affirming the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Our resources encourage approaches that make individuals feel understood and their experiences recognised as real and significant.Patience We highlight patience as an essential quality for navigating challenges and supporting progress at an individual's own pace. Our content aims to foster an understanding that allows for time and space for growth and learning.Growth We seek to support continuous personal development, learning, and skill acquisition for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Our resources offer information on strategies and environments that encourage ongoing positive development.Choice We advocate for ensuring autistic and neurodivergent individuals have genuine agency and are central to decision-making processes concerning their lives. Our materials promote approaches that respect and facilitate informed choice.Nurturing We encourage the creation of caring, encouraging, and supportive environments that foster development. Our information aims to guide caregivers and educators in providing nurturing support that helps individuals flourish.Resilience We aim to share knowledge that helps in developing the capacity of autistic and neurodivergent individuals to navigate and recover from challenges and adversity, building their inner strength and coping strategies.Celebration We champion the act of recognising, valuing, and celebrating individuality, achievements, and progress, no matter how small. Our resources encourage a positive focus on the unique contributions and milestones of every person.Hope We are dedicated to maintaining and sharing a positive and optimistic outlook for the future and potential of every autistic and neurodivergent individual. Our content seeks to inspire hope in individuals, families, and communities.Joy We believe in the importance of recognising, creating, and sharing moments of happiness, fun, and fulfilment. Our resources aim to inspire approaches that enhance the quality of life and bring joy to autistic and neurodivergent individuals and those around them.Communication We work to foster clear, accessible, and respectful two-way interaction by promoting understanding and appreciation for diverse communication styles. Our resources aim to equip people with knowledge to enhance communication with and for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.Community We strive to help foster a sense of belonging, mutual support, and shared identity for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families. Our information supports the development of inclusive and welcoming communities.Connection We promote the facilitation of meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging. Our resources highlight the importance of social connection and offer insights into supporting its development for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.Collaboration We encourage working effectively and respectfully in partnership with autistic individuals, their families, and professionals. Our content promotes collaborative approaches to ensure holistic and person-centred support.Support We are committed to being a source for the active provision of information that leads to tailored help, resources, and encouragement. Our goal is to equip people with the knowledge they need to provide or find effective support.Advocacy We aim to empower individuals and groups to actively support and speak up for the rights, needs, and interests of autistic and neurodivergent people through informed and effective advocacy, guided by our resources.Safety We promote the creation of secure, predictable, and supportive physical and emotional environments where autistic and neurodivergent individuals can feel safe, protected, and free to be themselves.
Who is our founder, Peter J. Clark?
Peter J Clark is autistic, and lives and works as a social care support worker in England, and has Level 3 qualifications in Autism and Social Care. His personal journey has profoundly shaped his understanding of autism and neurodiversity, having dedicated his life to supporting vulnerable people and those with all kinds of disabilities, and bringing a genuine 'lived perspective' to the challenges and incredible strengths within the autistic community, worldwide.
His passion for increasing understanding of autism extends beyond his day-to-day work, though - he has written many books about autism and social care, delving deeper into the nuances of neurodivergence and sharing practical insights gained from both personal experience and professional practice.
He founded the Autism Info Center to become a shining beacon for greater understanding, acceptance, and compassionate support for autism in every place, in every way. Through the AIC's series of books, articles, videos, podcasts, training courses, news, and online resources, he aims to demystify autism for autistic people, their families and friends, clubs, businesses, healthcare and social care workers, law enforcement and government workers.
His hope is to empower, educate, and inspire a more inclusive world where autistic people can live fulfilling, satisfying, and meaningful lives with greater independence, value and understanding.
How do we protect your information?
Easy! We don't ask for any information at all. You don't have to sign up for anything, there's no registration or log-in, no 'pay-wall' - not even those dreaded 'tracking cookies' (or anything like it). What happens here stays here, and every single page on this web site is free to view. We're not interested in data - just helping people live better, happier, more fulfilling lives.
How are we funded?
Good question! Our commitment to providing all these resources free of charge is made possible through the sales of our series of books on autism, neurodiversity, life challenges and opportunities, and compassionate, person-centred care. These books will help you delve deeper into every aspect of autism, neurodiversity, caring and support, with all sales directly funding the creation and dissemination of our information and resources here at the Autism Info Center.
By offering helpful and practical books, offering affordable training courses, and by getting a small commission when people watch our videos or listen to our podcasts, we can maintain our impartiality and focus on providing high-quality, evidence-based information. We don't get any funding from charities or government organisations. All our costs are paid for by what we fairly earn, and by any donations people choose to make.
We don't plague you with adverts or 'click bait', although we might recommend our own books, articles, resources, videos, and podcasts - and even then, only if they seem really appropriate to what you're looking for!)
Can you use some of our articles yourself?
Yes, usually! If you want to use or quote one or more of our articles, we have a copyright request page, here: www.autisminfocenter.org/copyright
Although everything we produce and publish is copyrighted material, our articles from the web site can usually be used or quoted for free, as long as:
- You're only requesting them for your personal use or for a private (closed) group;
- It's not for mass publication or distribution (whether that's online, offline, on social media, on the web, email, digital files or formats, public archives, newsletters, magazines, or in print);
- It's not for profit, for sale, for pay, or to earn money or in exchange for anything of value;
- You credit whatever you use to The Autism Info Center and link back to our web site (www.AutismInfoCenter.org) in the same place, not in your 'small print';
- You ask us first to let us know how and where you want to use or quote an article, then await our confirmation before using it.
If that's you, we're happy for you to use or quote up to six of our articles each year (for example for your own personal blog, in a private group, or in a classroom setting, or as part of your own research, education or professional development). Note that we are required to keep records of copyright requests for our own legal protection, but these are only held for as long as strictly necessary before being securely destroyed when they're no longer needed.
What copyright restrictions are there?
Just the obvious one! Please note that our books, videos, podcasts and training sessions may not be copied, captured, stored, distributed or reproduced under any circumstance for any reason because they're the primary way we earn money to keep the service running. But you're more than welcome to share links to any of our web pages, YouTube videos, podcasts and other web-based resources, or to share our public social media posts, without having to ask us.
Thank you!
Thanks for taking time to learn about us and our mission. We're excited to help you to make the world a better, happier, more friendly, understanding and accepting place for those of us - like me - who are neurodivergent.
Peter J. Clark
