Autism Bedfordshire is an independent charity providing information, advice, and emotional and practical support for children, young people and adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, their parents/carers and associated professionals in Bedfordshire and Luton. National figures indicate that autism affects around 1 person in every 100. Based on this, it is estimated that over 1,500 children and 4,500 adults in the county have autism.

Autism Bedfordshire have been delivering services for 22 years and have built up a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in providing high quality autism support. They provide social and educational activities for children, young people and adults, with specialist trained support. These include Saturday morning family support and activity groups, evening youth clubs, summer holiday activity schemes and adult social and skills groups. As well as providing a place where the autistic people can be themselves and not be judged by their behaviour, the short breaks help alleviate the stress, exhaustion, isolation and despair that the parents and siblings often feel. The charity's information and training services include a helpline service, information packs, newsletter, website, library, and training events for parents and professionals.

Today Autism Bedfordshire employs 14 office staff and around 150 staff and volunteers providing services to nearly 400 members. All their services are entirely funded through donations and grants. The Barbara Ward Children's Foundation awarded them a grant of £5,000 a year for three years towards the cost of running their Summer Activity Scheme. The length of this funding has been invaluable in giving them some financial security to plan for the schemes for the coming years.