When you try to open a PDF document, are you getting messages such as "There was an error opening this document. The file is damaged and could not be repaired." ?

Every effort has been made to offer documents as HTML pages with printer-friendly versions. However, some documents can only be made available in PDF (portable document format), a format which is readable with Adobe's software 'Acrobat Reader'.

For users without this software, you will need to download it from Adobe's website.

I can't download the software

  • If you are on a network, your IT department may have restricted your ability to download software from the internet. Please check with them before proceeding.
  • If you're not on a network and are still experiencing difficulty, check that you have followed Adobe's instructions. If in doubt, contact them for advice.
  • If you are using Internet Explorer, you could also try the following:
    • Go to the "Tools" menu, then click on "Internet Options".
    • On the "Advanced" tab, scroll down until you see the option "Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections".  Tick this box and then click "OK".

    I still can't access the item I need. What now?

    This is very much a last resort but may be helpful. PDF files can be converted into plain text documents using Adobe PDF Conversion by Simple Form (www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_onlinetools.html). To do this you must:

    • find the URL (web address) for the document you require by hovering your mouse over the document link. It will display in the bottom left-hand window of your browser (it will look similar to this: www.autism.org.uk/~/media/documents/document_name.ashx) 
    • write this down and then type it into the form on the Adobe site
    • select HTML (formatted) or plain text (unformatted). 


    We are unable to provide technical assistance in the event of difficulties with accessing PDFs.  If, after having tried the above, you still cannot access the item you require, please contact the Autism Helpline on 0808 800 4104 to obtain advice on acquiring the document in another format.