Useful resources
There is lots of great information and advice out there on neurodiversity and special educational needs and disability (SEND) support for children and young people. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some resources you might find useful:
General information, advice and support
National SEND information, advice and support
Contact (formerly Contact a Family)
Young Minds – including neurodiversity support
Google your local area + ‘SEND family support services’ / ‘autism family support services’ etc. to find local services.
Local authority services
Local offer: Each local authority has a ‘local offer’ – a list of all the services for children, young people and families in their area. For example, Brent Council’s local offer for children with SEND is linked here.
SENDIASS: Each local authority has an arms-length SEND Information, Advice and Support Service, called SENDIASS, run by specialist advisors.
Short Breaks: Each local authority has a ‘Short Breaks’ service, offering funding for respite care for disabled children and their families. You can find yours by Googling e.g. ‘short breaks Brent’ or ‘short breaks Ealing’.
Talking services for adults
Operating hours vary – please check individual websites.
Samaritans For helpline call: 16 123
Contact (formerly Contact a Family) For helpline call: 808 808 3555
Gingerbread For helpline call: 0808 802 0925
Mind For helpline call: 0300 102 1234
Young Minds For parent helpline call: 0808 802 5544
Talking services for children and young people
Operating hours vary – please check individual websites.