Skip to content
child being read to by woman in library
March 29, 2023 SpecialKids .Company

Free Autism Resources in the UK

If you have a child with autism, it is essential that you have access to appropriate resources to ensure that your child and family has the right support and advice. Yet sometimes finding resources can be difficult, stressful, and frustrating. In this blog, SpecialKids Company aims to make this easier for you by listing some free autism resources in the UK that you can access straight away.

List of useful Autism resources:

1. National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society aims to provide support, information and practical advice for autistic adults and children and change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism. Its website is filled with advice and guidance, from education, strategies, and interventions to benefits and money.

2. Ambitious about Autism

Ambitious about Autism has a parent toolkit called ‘right from the start’ for preschool and older children to help guide parents and carers throughout their child’s autism journey. The toolkit has practical tips and checklists along with signposts to other sources of support.

3. Educational Support

  • IPSEA and SOS!SEN
(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) in England.
SOS!SEN is also a charity that can help you find the right educational support for your child if you are living in England.
  • Enquire
Similarly, Enquire can provide educational advice and support for parent carers in Scotland.
  • SNAP Cymru
If you’re in Wales and need educational advice and support, check out SNAP Cymru.
  • SENAC
SENAC provides resources and educational advice in Northern Ireland.

 

4. SCOPE

SCOPE provides practical support and advice from benefits and accessible equipment to mental health, travel and transport.

5. Contact

Contact has some of the best tips for completing a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) form, particularly if your child qualifies for mobility under the SMI (severely mentally impaired) rule, which often applies to children with autism.

6. Autistica

Autistica is an autism research and campaigning charity, which works with autistic people to make a difference in shaping policy and funding research. They have lots of evidence-based tools, resources and information.

7. Open University – Free Autism Course

Open University has a free online course called ‘Understanding Autism’, which talks about how autism is experienced by different individuals and their families as well as intervention and lifespan development.

8. National Development Team for Inclusion

The National Development Team for Inclusion developed a report called ‘It’s not rocket science’, which was based on the experience of children and young people who have experienced Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient environments. There are sensory recommendations and lots of useful information available to download.

9. SIBS

Having an autistic sibling can be challenging at times for some children. Sibs is a charity that supports siblings of disabled children. It has lots of helpful advice for parents and children with information to help you support your sibling child.

Filed in: Advice, anxiety, autism, benefits, CAMHS, education, funding, Parents, resources, SEN, send, Siblings, SMI, special education needs, Support
Previous article Ways To Make Your Easter Egg Hunt More Inclusive
Next article Affordable clothing for sensory issues