Legal Support & Charities
Navigating the SEND system can be incredibly difficult. These organizations offer free, legally-based advice to help you secure the right support for your child.
IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice. The absolute gold-standard for free, independent legal advice on EHCPs, exclusions, and tribunal appeals in England.
Visit IPSEASOS SEN
A national charity offering free, friendly, and expert advice for parents navigating the special educational needs system. They run a very helpful free telephone helpline.
Visit SOS SENNational Autistic Society
Provides a wealth of practical advice, from pre-diagnosis support to school transitions, alongside active community forums where you can speak to other parents.
Visit NASContact (For Families)
The charity for families with disabled children. They provide brilliant templates for requesting assessments and understanding your rights under the Children and Families Act.
Visit ContactFind Support Near You
Every local council in the UK is legally required to publish a "Local Offer"—a directory of all the SEND services, support groups, and pathways available in your specific area.
Find Your Council's Local Offer
Use the official Gov.uk search tool. Just enter your postcode, and it will take you directly to your specific council's SEND support directory.
Search Gov.ukFind a Local NAS Branch
The National Autistic Society has 116 local branches across the UK, run by volunteers (who are often parents themselves). They host coffee mornings, playgroups, and teen clubs.
Find a BranchNHS Service Finder
Need to locate your nearest Community Paediatrician or CAMHS hub? Use the NHS directory to find the contact details of your local healthcare providers.
Search NHSThe Everyday Toolkit
Products frequently recommended by occupational therapists and parents to help with sensory regulation, focus, and routine management.
Autism Awareness Lanyard
Sold by the official Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Ltd.
View on AmazonWeighted Blanket
Silent Night weighted blanket for help with sensory and anxiety available in a heavier weight
View on AmazonThe Explosive Child
Essential reading for parents of children who exhibit severe inflexibility or meltdowns. It introduces the "Collaborative & Proactive Solutions" (CPS) framework rather than traditional reward/punishment systems.
View on AmazonNeurotribes
A beautifully written, comprehensive history of Autism. It helps parents shift away from the "medical deficit" model toward embracing the neurodiversity paradigm.
View on AmazonThe Brain Forest
A wonderful, beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the concept of neurodiversity—explaining that just like a forest needs different types of trees, the world needs different types of brains.
View on AmazonThe Reason I Jump
Written by a non-speaking autistic 13-year-old boy. It provides profound, firsthand answers to the questions parents most often ask about autistic behaviors and experiences.
View on Amazon