Overview
This page has content curated by the Autism in Racing team, which is intended to signpost you to services and information. Please note that Autism in Racing is not a body that provides professional, medical advice relating to autism and the links provided here are offered as our recommended support routes. Please bear in mind that links and information may evolve and change over time and we can’t be held responsible should this change.
We hope you find this page useful, please send feedback to this email.
I want to know more about Autism
The National Autistic Society is a great place to start. The charity provides support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
In partnership with the Autism Education Trust, the Autism in Racing project team created a short, free eLearning module called Autism Awareness in British Horseracing. The course is hosted on racing’s online learning platform Racing2Learn and is free to access – you may need to login to complete it.
It is also possible to find local autism charities, groups and networks, such as Autism Berkshire and the Riding for the Disabled charity, who we work with for some autism-friendly racedays.
I work in Racing
If you or your close family members are autistic and work in racing, or work with or employ autistic colleagues, you are eligible for support from Racing Welfare’s Racing’s Support Line.
When calling Racing’s Support Line you can access information, advice and support on a whole range of topics including benefits, debt, consumer rights etc. You can access a counsellor for in-the-moment support or be assessed as to whether structured counselling sessions are suitable through Racing’s Support Line.
Find out more about Racing Welfare’s Support Line here or call 0800 6300 443.
If you wish to use a text-based service rather than a phone line, you can visit https://racingwelfare.co.uk/contact/. If you click ‘Speak to a trained counsellor’ you are directed to a live chat function connected to Racing Welfare’s support line partner Care First.
Woebot is an artificial intelligence mental health and wellbeing app. It helps users to better understand their own mental health and wellbeing. It doesn’t provide any of the advice, information and support mentioned above and isn’t linked to Racing Welfare’s other services.
I am a Racegoer
Racecourses are improving their accessibility programmes with the aim of welcoming everyone to have an enjoyable day and to feel included. For example, the Racecourse Association (RCA) has collaborated with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to formally recognise the global symbol of invisible disabilities, the Sunflower lanyard, at all British racecourses.
We recommend referring to individual racecourse websites for accessibility before your visit, and if in doubt contact the racecourse team with your queries.
We are working directly with racecourses to develop autism awareness and improve accessibility, in partnership with the Racecourse Association.