How are trusts, guardianship or appointeeships introduced where needed for autism? 

Some autistic people may need structured financial or decision-making support, particularly when communication differences, executive functioning challenges, or vulnerability to exploitation make independent money management difficult. Guidance from the NHS emphasises that autistic adults may have difficulty understanding complex information or recognising when financial decisions place them at risk. NICE similarly highlights the importance of adapting communication and providing support that maximises autonomy. 

Understanding the concept 

Formal decision-making structures in the UK including appointeeships, deputyships, powers of attorney and trusts aim to protect individuals who need help managing benefits, legal decisions or personal finances. The National Autistic Society (NAS) notes that autistic adults may struggle with abstract language, interpreting intentions or identifying when someone is misusing trust. These challenges mean some people benefit from legal or procedural safeguards. 

The need for such structures is always based on the individual and, as NICE stresses, least-restrictive options must be considered first. 

Evidence and impact 

According to the NHS, autistic adults may find it difficult to communicate concerns or understand financial documents, especially when stressed or overwhelmed. This can place them at risk of financial abuse or unintentional mismanagement. 

The Care Act 2014 sets out statutory duties for local authorities to protect adults at risk, including adults with autism who may require additional financial oversight. Meanwhile, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a decision-specific framework for assessing capacity and ensuring all practicable support is given before concluding someone cannot make a decision themselves. 

NICE guidance CG142 recommends autism-informed communication in all capacity assessments, including the use of clear, literal language, visual aids and predictable structure. 

Peer-reviewed evidence on PubMed shows that autistic adults benefit from supported decision-making and involvement of trusted advocates, which reduce vulnerability and increase confidence when navigating complex financial or legal responsibilities. 

Practical support and approaches 

1. Appointeeships (benefits management) 

A DWP appointee is appointed when someone cannot manage their benefits independently due to disability. The DWP interviews the autistic person and the potential appointee to determine whether this support is necessary. 

The appointee is responsible for: 

• Making benefit claims 

• Receiving payments 

• Reporting changes 

• Ensuring funds are used in the person’s best interests 

NAS guidance indicates this is often appropriate where communication differences or executive-function needs affect benefit management. 

2. Deputyship (legal and financial decisions) 

If an autistic adult lacks capacity to manage finances even with support, the Court of Protection may appoint a deputy under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Through deputyship: 

• Deputies make decisions about money, property or health (depending on the court order). 

• The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) supervises all deputies. 

• Detailed records and annual reports are required. 

Deputyship is a last resort, used only when less restrictive options have been reviewed. 

3. Trusts 

A trust can protect long-term finances for autistic people who may be vulnerable to exploitation or require structured oversight. Trustees manage funds based on legal duties, ensuring: 

• Controlled access to money 

• Protection from financial abuse 

• Long-term financial planning for housing, care or future independence 

Trusts can work alongside appointeeships or deputyships, depending on the person’s needs. 

4. Supported decision-making 

NICE’s recommendations CG142 emphasise involving autistic adults as much as possible in all decisions. This includes: 

• Breaking information into smaller steps 

• Using literal and unambiguous language 

• Providing time to process and respond 

• Offering advocates or supporters 

• Using visual tools and written explanations 

The goal is always autonomy first, with legal structures introduced only if necessary. 

5. Safeguarding responsibilities 

Local authorities must act under the Care Act 2014 if financial abuse or exploitation is suspected. The NHS advises reporting concerns even when uncertain. 

Community and advocacy organisations can support these processes. 

From , organisations that provide structured support, coaching or administrative help can assist autistic adults in understanding paperwork, discussing safeguarding concerns and navigating legal responsibilities. These services are supportive only not legal substitutes. 

Challenges and considerations 

Introducing trusts, appointeeships or deputyships requires sensitivity. The NAS warns that autistic people may be misunderstood or assumed to lack capacity when they simply need communication adjustments. Care must be taken to avoid unnecessary restrictions. 

Families and professionals should involve the autistic person in all discussions, seek advocacy when needed, and ensure decisions are regularly reviewed, as recommended by NICE. 

How services can help 

Social care teams can assess needs, discuss capacity and advise on protective options. Legal tools such as powers of attorney or trusts can be integrated into a broader support plan. 

Structured coaching or behavioural support programmes such as those delivered by organisations referenced in can help autistic adults develop confidence, communication skills and understanding of financial decisions. These complement, rather than replace, statutory protections. 

Takeaway 

Trusts, appointeeships and deputyships offer important safeguards when autistic adults need help managing finances or decisions. Guidance from the NHS, NICE, NAS, GOV.UK and the OPG emphasises the importance of autonomy, supported decision-making, and least-restrictive interventions. With the right structures and guidance, families and professionals can protect financial wellbeing while preserving dignity and independence. 

If you or someone you support would benefit from early identification or structured autism guidance, visit Autism Detect, a UK-based platform offering professional assessment tools and evidence-informed support for autistic individuals and families.