Useful Links and Resources
Support and Advocacy Organisations
National Autistic Society (NAS) – www.autism.org.uk
Ambitious About Autism – www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Autism Education Trust – www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) – www.ipsea.org.uk
Sensory and Communication Tools
Recommended Books and Articles
Educational and Learning Resources
Twinkl
Huge range of printable and interactive resources for every subject and age.
Includes SEN (Special Educational Needs) section with visual supports and social stories.
UK curriculum aligned.
BBC Bitesize
Free lessons, videos, and quizzes for Key Stages 1–4.
Easy-to-digest, neurodivergent-friendly format.
Great for home learning or school support.
Oak National Academy
Free online lessons and curriculum content created by teachers.
Structured and accessible, ideal for visual learners.
Offers visual schedules, social skills resources, behavior support, and life skills content.
Especially useful for autism-specific support.
Boardmaker Online
Symbol-based communication and learning tools.
Used widely for visual schedules, social stories, and accessible learning content.
Autism-Friendly Apps for Learning & Communication
Proloquo2Go (AAC App)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app.
Highly customisable for nonverbal or minimally verbal children.
Pricey but a game-changer for communication.
Endless Alphabet / Endless Reader
Adorable, animated monsters teach phonics and sight words in a sensory-friendly way.
No timers, scores, or loud surprises—just fun!
Special iApps
Developed by parents and speech therapists.
Teaches early literacy, numeracy, and emotional recognition.
Includes visual schedules and social story builders.
Khan Academy Kids
Free, fun app for ages 2–8.
Covers early maths, reading, social-emotional skills.
Gentle animations and voice narration—great for sensory-sensitive learners.
Avaz AAC
Another AAC tool for children with autism and speech delays.
Easy to personalize and designed with child-friendly visuals.
Therapy, Speech, and Social-Emotional Tools
Speech Blubs
Designed by speech therapists.
Encourages children to copy mouth movements using video modeling.
Fun and interactive, great for speech development.
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Teaches emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.
Ideal for preschoolers and early learners.
Zones of Regulation App
Helps children identify emotions and develop self-regulation strategies.
Great for classroom and home use.
For Parents & Educators
Autism Education Trust
Offers training, strategies, and downloadable resources for teachers and families.
Understood.org
US-based, but packed with expert-backed resources and tools for supporting learning differences and neurodiversity.
Our Community
Financial Support & Grants
1. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
A tax-free benefit to help with the extra costs of looking after a child under 16 who has difficulties walking or needs more care than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability. 👉 Apply for DLAGOV.UK
2. Family Fund
Provides grants to families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. Grants can help with essential items such as washing machines, sensory toys, family breaks, bedding, tablets, and more. 👉 Visit Family FundFamily Fund+1Wikipedia+1
3. WellChild Grants
Offers grants to families for essential items and services to support the care of children with serious health needs. 👉 Explore WellChild Grants
4. Turn2Us
A national charity helping people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants, and support services. 👉 Use the Turn2Us Grant Search
5. Disability Grants
Provides information on charities and trusts that give grants to disabled people and their families. 👉 Find Grants
Legal Advice & Advocacy
1. 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 and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 👉 Visit IPSEA
2. Disability Law Service
Provides free legal advice and representation for disabled people and their families in areas such as community care, employment, and housing. 👉 Access Legal Support
3. SOS!SEN
A charity offering a free, friendly, independent, and confidential service to parents and others seeking to secure appropriate educational provision for children and young people with SEND. 👉 Get Help from SOS!SEN
4. Coram Children’s Legal Centre
Provides free legal information, advice, and representation to children, young people, their families, carers, and professionals. 👉 Visit Coram CLC
5. Citizens Advice
Offers free, confidential, and impartial advice on a range of issues including benefits, work, debt, and legal matters. 👉 Find Your Local Citizens Advice
Additional Support Services
1. National Autistic Society – Parent to Parent Helpline
A confidential telephone service providing emotional support to parents and carers of autistic children and adults. 👉 Request a Call
2. Ambitious about Autism
Offers resources and support for parents and carers, including information on education, employment, and health services. 👉 Explore Resources
3. Contact – For Families with Disabled Children
Provides support, advice, and information for families with disabled children, including guidance on benefits and education. 👉 Visit Contact
Government and Local Authority Support
1. Carer’s Assessment
If you’re caring for an autistic child, you can request a carer’s assessment from your local council to identify support and services you may be eligible for. 👉 Learn About Carer’s Assessments
2. Local Offer
Every local authority must publish a ‘Local Offer’ detailing the support available for children and young people with SEND, including education, health, and social care services. 👉 Find Your Local Offer
Educational Rights and EHCPs
If your child has special educational needs, they may be eligible for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which outlines the support they should receive.
Applying for an EHCP: You can request an assessment through your local authority.
Legal Support: If you face challenges, organizations like IPSEA and SOS!SEN can provide guidance.