Resources

More information on autism can be found here:

The NAR cannot be held responsible for the content of third-party sites. Their use and the information they provide is at your own risk. The presence or absence of a link does not necessarily mean that the NAR endorses or supports these other groups or the information provided.

Dutch Autism Association (NVA)

The NVA is the largest advocacy organisation in the Netherlands for people with autism and their loved ones. The organisation is committed to increasing understanding, inclusion and better support for people with autism in society.

What can you turn to the NVA for?

The NVA offers comprehensive information about autism through their website, brochures and magazines such as Autism Magazine.
They organise meetings, discussion groups and activities for people with autism and their families.
The NVA advocates for better laws and regulations, appropriate education, autism-friendly care and employment opportunities.
Every year, the NVA organises Autism Week and other events to raise awareness and acceptance.
Through the Autism Info Centres (AICs), people with autism and their relatives can go for advice, guidance and information.

Vanuit Autisme Bekeken (VAB)

Foundation Vanuit Autisme Bekeken is an initiative aimed at improving the position and well-being of people with autism. Working from the perspective of people with autism themselves, they are committed to increasing understanding, inclusion and customisation in society.

What can you turn to VAB for?

They offer knowledge and insights about autism, based on the experience of people with autism
They provide advice and support for professionals, organisations and policymakers who want to work in a more autism-friendly way.
They develop and support projects that contribute to making society more autism-friendly.
They bring together people with and without autism to promote mutual understanding and inclusion.

Persons on the Autism Spectrum (PAS)

PAS is a Dutch advocacy organisation for and by adults with autism. The organisation focuses on self-development, peer contact and advocacy, without the focus on care and counselling.

What can you turn to PAS for?

Through meetings, discussion groups and online platforms, you can connect with other adults with autism.
PAS shares knowledge about adult autism and educates both people with autism and society.
They advocate for the rights and recognition of adults with autism, for example in the areas of employment, education and social services.
PAS works from the experiences of autistic adults themselves and provides a platform where their voices are heard.

Female Autism Network of the Netherlands (FANN)

FANN is a Dutch network focusing on women and girls with autism. FANN is committed to increasing knowledge, understanding and recognition of autism in women, because autism is often expressed differently in them and is therefore less easily recognised.

What can you contact FANN for?

FANN shares knowledge about autism in women and how this differs from the classic (male) perception of autism.
They work with scientists and healthcare professionals to better identify autism in women.
They connect women and girls with autism with each other and with professionals to share experiences and empower each other.
FANN offers lectures, workshops and trainings for professionals and other interested parties on autism in women.

Wegwijzer Autism

Wegwijzer Autisme is an online platform of the Dutch Autism Society that provides clear information on the various forms of support and help for people with autism.

What can you turn to Wegwijzer Autisme for?

They provide an overview of agencies and organisations that offer help and guidance with autism.
They help parents, care professionals and people with autism find the right support.
They provide information on education, work, housing and care facilities.
They make it easier to find appropriate help based on your situation and place of residence.

Balans national parents' association

Balans national parents' association is a Dutch association supporting parents and educators of children with learning and developmental problems, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism and giftedness. Balans is committed to better care, appropriate education and recognition of neurodiversity.

What can you turn to parents' association Balans for?

Reliable information on developmental and learning disabilities through their website, brochures and magazines.
Parents can exchange experiences through discussion groups, meetings and online platforms.
Balans advocates for improvements in education, youth care and legislation for children with additional support needs.
Informative articles and stories of experience on education, care and parenting.
Parents can get help with questions about appropriate education, youth care and regulations.

Autism Digital Foundation

Autism Digital Foundation is an online platform that collects and shares information and stories of experience about autism. It focuses on adults with autism and their loved ones.

What can you turn to Autism Digital for?

They offer informative articles on autism and how it manifests in adults.
They organise online meetings and webinars on various autism-related topics.
They share stories of experience and tips from people with autism to promote recognition and understanding.

Leo Kanner Education Group (LKO)

Leo Kanner Onderwijsgroep is a Dutch educational organisation specialising in education for children and young people with autism. They offer special education and guidance to optimally support pupils with autism in their development.

What can you turn to the LKO for?

They have several schools for primary and secondary special education (SO and VSO) for pupils with autism.
Where possible, they help pupils to (partially) move on to regular education.
The LKO works closely with parents, youth welfare and other care providers to provide the best possible support for the pupil.
They share their knowledge about autism and education with professionals and schools outside their own organisation.

MEE Netherlands

MEE Netherlands provides free and independent support to people with autism and others who need extra help in everyday life. They help find appropriate care and arrange practical matters.

What can you turn to MEE Netherlands for?

Help with questions about care, work, education and independent living.
Support when applying for, for example, WMO facilities, a PGB or youth assistance.
Assistance during conversations with the municipality or institutions, so that your story comes across well.
Advice and support for parents, carers and family members.
Always free of charge and independent - they do not work for a care provider or municipality.

JADOS

JADOS guides students and workers with autism to support them in their personal and professional development.

What can you turn to JADOS for?

They offer guidance to students with autism in higher education.
They help people with autism find and retain employment.
They offer residential counselling and coaching to promote independence.

Other resources

Koninklijke Kentalis supports people who are hearing impaired, deaf or deaf-blind or have a language development disorder (TOS) or communicative multiple impairment.

Youz helps children, adolescents, (young) adults and families with mental and addiction problems

Start Foundation is an independent social developer working hard for a society where everyone works and that works for everyone.

Parents & Education is an organisation for all parents with children of school age. The best education for our children is what Parents & Education is committed to.

ECIO advises and supports universities, colleges and the mbo around relevant themes in shaping inclusive education and student welfare.

Karakter is an academic centre for child and youth psychiatry with locations in Gelderland, Overijssel, Noord-Brabant and Limburg.

Regelhulp is a government online guide that provides information on care and support, including help for people with autism and their loved ones.

Stichting Mama Vita is a network organisation for mothers of children with autism and offers support, advice and activities to empower mothers in their role.

The Autism Fund supports projects and scientific research to improve the quality of life of people with autism and make society more inclusive.

Every(in) is the national advocacy organisation for people with a disability or chronic illness and is committed to an inclusive society where everyone can participate.

Rutgers is a sexuality expertise centre dedicated to promoting sexual health and rights, including for people with autism and other vulnerable groups.