Advice, support and links for parents and families
You can download a pdf version of this information from this link.
If you are looking for information, advice or support for yourself, your child or your family, the following organisations may be able to help.
Autism Information and Support
National Autistic Society (NAS) provides information, advice, education, advocacy and support for autistic people and their families. Website: https://www.autism.org.uk Helpline: 020 7833 2299
Autism Alliance UK is a network of specialist autism charities providing local support and services across the UK. Website: https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk
Autistic Parents UK is a source of information, resources and peer support by and for autistic parents. Website: https://www.autisticparentsuk.org
Autistica is the UK's leading autism research charity, providing evidence-based information and resources. Website: https://www.autistica.org.uk
PDA Society provides information and support relating to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk
Support for Families and Carers
Contact provides advice, information and support for families raising disabled children. Website: https://www.contact.org.uk Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Carers UK provides advice on carers' rights, finances, employment and wellbeing. Website: https://www.carersuk.org Helpline: 0808 808 7777
Carers Trust provides information about local carers' services, respite and practical support. Website: https://carers.org
Family Rights Group provides independent advice for families involved with children's social care. Website: https://frg.org.uk Advice Line: 0808 801 0366
Education and SEND
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) provides free legal advice about education rights and SEND law. Website: https://www.ipsea.org.uk
SOS!SEN provides independent advice and support for parents navigating Special Educational Needs processes. Website: https://www.sossen.org.uk Helpline: 020 8538 3731
Special Needs Jungle provides trusted information, news and practical guidance on SEND. Website: https://www.specialneedsjungle.com
SENDIASS provides independent information, advice and support services available through every local authority. Website: https://www.sendiassnetwork.org.uk
Council for Disabled Children provides information, guidance and resources on SEND, inclusion and children's rights. Website: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
Advocacy, Rights and Benefits
Disability Rights UK provides advice on disability rights, benefits, employment and independent living. Website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and legal matters. Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848
Health and Mental Health
NHS provides information about health services, autism assessment pathways and urgent mental health support. Website: https://www.nhs.uk
NHS Urgent Mental Health Support If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health
Mind provides mental health information, advice and local support services. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing emotional distress or in crisis. Website: https://www.samaritans.org Freephone: 116 123
Complaints and Advocacy
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is for complaints about NHS services that have not been resolved locally. Website: https://www.ombudsman.org.uk
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is for complaints about councils and children's or adult social care services. Website: https://www.lgo.org.uk
Finding Local Services
Find Your Local Council provides information about children's services, adult social care, SEND teams, Local Offer and Autism Partnership Boards. Website: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Local Offer every local authority publishes a Local Offer describing education, health and social care services available for children and young people with SEND. Search online for "[your local authority] Local Offer."
Please note that contact details may change over time. If a telephone number is unavailable or services have changed, the organisation's website will provide the most up-to-date information.
A resource for professionals
This resource was initially developed by parents and professionals (from health, education and social care) attending the Perspectives on Autism conference on 30 June 2026, and was subsequently signed off by the project advisory group.
The resource is for professionals who have any engagement with children with autism and their parents.
You can download a copy of the Changing Conversations resource here.
