FAQs

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What is it?

The Autism Show is the national event for autism, organised in association with the National Autistic Society.

It is the largest event in the country dedicated to the autism community. We offer over 100 hours of talks, clinics and workshops, plus hundreds of specialist products and services.

A visit to The Autism Show can make an immediate difference to you, and those you care, support or teach.

Why was it created?

It was created by parents of an autistic child. Based on their own experiences after diagnosis, they felt that there was a strong need to bring the autism community together to access specialist information, advice, products and services.

Where is it?

The Autism Show takes place in the three most populous cities in the UK to make the event as accessible to as many people as possible. The venues are ExCeL London, the NEC Birmingham and Manchester Central.

When is it?

In 2024, The Autism Show runs in London on Fri 14th and Sat 15th June, in Birmingham on Fri 21st and Sat 22nd June and in Manchester on Fri 24th and Sat 25th May.

What are the open times?

The London show is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

The Birmingham show is open from 9.30am to 4.00pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

The Manchester show is open from 9.30am to 4.00pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

How long has it been running for?

We have been running The Autism Show since 2011. The first event was held in London, followed by Manchester in 2013 and Birmingham in 2015.

How easy is it to get to?

The venues have been chosen for their ease of access.

ExCeL London is located 10 minutes from Canary Wharf in the East of London. The venue is served by two DLR stations – Custom House and Prince Regent.

We recommend that you take the Jubilee Line from central London to Canning Town and then change onto a Beckton-bound DLR train for the quick two-stop journey to Prince Regent station. This station is attached to the venue. Enter the venue through the glass doors, walk for one minute along a wide corridor then turn right at the end. Walk for one more minute and the entrance into The Autism Show will be on your right-hand side, signed Hall N9.

Alternatively ExCeL London is easily accessed by road from the M25, M11, A406 and A13. For Sat Nav purposes, the venue recommends using postcode E16 1FR. Please park immediately below the venue, in Zone 8 of the Orange Car Park. This is the closest parking area to the show entrance. Once parked, walk through the entrance signed “ICC” and take the escalator or lift to the level above. Walk straight ahead for one minute and the entrance into The Autism Show will be on your right hand side, signed Hall N9.

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The NEC is in the perfect location for car travel – 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre, and at the heart of the UK motorway network. With 16,500 spaces available we’ve got plenty of room for you. Follow the electronic signage or directions provided by the traffic team to get you to the North Car Park which is being used for the event. Car park charges apply. Once you’ve parked you can either take a free shuttle bus which will drop you off at Atrium 3 entrance or walk to the halls using our sign posted footpaths. Enter through the Atrium 3 entrance and The Autism Show is in Hall 18 directly in front of you. Disabled parking can be found by Hall 16 or North 1B which is accessible via Gate G3.

If you are travelling by train, the NEC is positioned immediately next to Birmingham International rail station. Once you alight from your train, follow signs for the NEC, and as you exit the station you will see the entrance leading into the venue on your right. Walk along the sky walk and descend the escalators or stairs into the main venue. Carry straight on, opposite 3a turn right where it will be sign posted to go up the escalators or stairs. Follow the skywalk along to the end and then use the escalators or stairs to go down, where the signs will direct you left towards the Autism Show in Hall 18. Many services run direct to Birmingham International. If yours doesn’t, you can catch a connecting train at Birmingham New Street. There are regular services, and the journey only takes 10-15 minutes. Buses to the NEC can be caught at Birmingham Moor Street and Solihull stations.

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Manchester Central is an iconic venue in the heart of Manchester. Reaching the venue is straight forward, whichever mode of transport you choose. If you are travelling by car, Manchester Central is at the heart of a comprehensive motorway network. Manchester’s M60 orbital motorway provides easy access from north, south, east and west. There is a large NCP car park directly below Manchester Central which includes 15 disabled parking bays and offers direct access to the venue by lift, stairs and escalators. If you are planning to find Manchester Central using a sat nav, please enter the postcode M2 3GX.

If you are travelling by train, it takes a little over two hours to reach Manchester from London, and Manchester also has direct connections to most major UK cities. Services arrive at Piccadilly or Victoria stations where passengers can connect with Metrolink trams for easy access to the city centre. Manchester Central is a 20 minute walk from Piccadilly Station or just five minutes by taxi. Alternatively, catch a connecting train to Oxford Road Station – just five minutes from Manchester Central on foot.

Who is it for?

The event is for anyone who lives and works with autism on a daily basis or may wish to know more about the condition. Our main visitors are parents, carers, teaching professionals, healthcare professionals, local authority professionals, and individuals on the autism spectrum.

How many people visit?

Over 3,000 people visit the event in London, and over 2,000 visit in both Birmingham and Manchester.

What can I find there?

Suppliers exhibiting products and services; practical workshops; in depth discussions and presentations; autistic adults speaking about their experiences; renowned academics discussing their research; public figures discussing their experiences of being a parent of a child with autism; one to one clinics hosted by specialist professionals; and a host of interactive and thought-provoking special features.

Is it suitable for me to bring an autistic child or adult?

That’s a diffcult question for us to answer. You know that person’s needs most. If they have acute sensory issues we would not recommend the exhibition to visit as it can get very busy and noisy, like any other popular public place. However we do have families attending with autistic children and adults on the spectrum visiting and also speaking at the event. We try to make the event as accessible as possible to those on the spectrum by having wider than usual aisles, clear signage, dimmed lighting and a quiet room available.

Is a Quiet Room available?

Yes, we have a Quiet Room, please visit the onsite Organiser’s Office if you need to use it.

How much are tickets?
  • Parent/Family Carer tickets cost £21 in advance or £26 on the door
  • Professional tickets cost £27 in advance or £34 on the door
  • Autistic Adult and Concessionary tickets are available to those in receipt of DLA or PIP, students or unemployed. These tickets cost £19 in advance or £24 on the door
  • Children aged under 16 enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult
  • Booking fees are payable on all online orders
Who are the organisers?

The organisers are called Park View Events.

Can I talk to the organisers?

Yes, you can contact them on 020 8882 0629.

Thank you to our partners