# Just diagnosed: your first 12 weeks after an autism diagnosis > The first 12 weeks after an autism diagnosis are a time to take in the news, understand the report and start getting support, one step at a time. Useful first steps are the follow-up appointment, sharing the report with nursery or school, finding a parent course, checking whether you can claim Disability Living Allowance and, in England, finding your council's Local Offer. Keep doing what already works for your child, and look after yourself too. - Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/after-an-autism-diagnosis - Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk) - Topic: Signs, assessment and diagnosis - Applies to: England - Last updated: 28 September 2026. Checked against sources: 28 September 2026 - Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a paediatrician or clinical psychologist and parent of an autistic child) - Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy ## Key points - There is no right way to feel. Many parents feel relief, grief and worry, sometimes all at once. - NICE says you should get a written report, a follow-up within 6 weeks and information about local support. - Share the report with nursery or school and ask to review your child's SEN support. - Ask for a DLA form early: it cannot be backdated, and a diagnosis does not guarantee an award. - Keep doing what already works, and be wary of expensive therapies that promise quick results. - Your needs matter too. In England you can ask the council for a parent carer needs assessment. ## How might I feel after my child's diagnosis? There is no right way to feel. Parents describe relief, sadness, worry, grief for the future they had pictured, or all of these at once, and feelings can change from day to day. Your child is the same child they were before the appointment. A review of 11 UK studies found parents had emotional, informational and relational needs around diagnosis, and that fathers seemed to find it harder than mothers, possibly because they felt left out of the assessment ([Legg and Tickle, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30995082/)). In a UK survey of 1,047 parents, published in 2016, support after diagnosis was "deemed unsatisfactory" ([Crane and colleagues, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25810370/)). If you feel you have been left to get on with it, you are not imagining it, and you can ask for more. ## What should happen after a diagnosis? NICE says the team should explain the findings in person, give you a written report, share it with your GP and offer a follow-up appointment within 6 weeks. It should also give you information about support in your area ([NICE CG128](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations)). Help after a diagnosis is often called [post-diagnostic support](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#post-diagnostic-support). NICE's guideline on supporting autistic children, [CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations), and its [quality standard QS51](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs51/chapter/List-of-quality-statements) add that: - every autistic child should have a key worker (or case manager) to co-ordinate their care and support - your child should have a personalised plan, made in partnership with you and the autism team - the team should discuss with you, and write down, the options for age-appropriate support that does not involve medicine - families should be told about their right to short breaks and to an assessment of their own needs - medication should not be prescribed for the core features of autism. If any of this is missing, ask for it. ### Reading the report Read the report when you have some quiet time. The [NHS says](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/assessments/) it should say whether your child is autistic, what they are good at, what they might need help with and whether any other conditions were found. NICE says it should explain the reasons for the team's conclusions. The report may use the medical term autism spectrum disorder ([ASD](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#asd-and-asc)). It may not give a "level" (1, 2 or 3): levels come from the American DSM-5 manual. ICD-11, the classification NHS England's [national framework](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/a-national-framework-to-deliver-improved-outcomes-in-all-age-autism-assessment-pathways-guidance-for-integrated-care-boards/) uses, has no levels. Instead it records whether a person also has an intellectual disability and how much they can use language ([Greaves-Lord and colleagues, 2022](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9881114/)). A report without a level is not incomplete. ### Questions to ask at the follow-up - What does the report mean for my child, day to day? - Who is our key worker or main contact, and how do we reach them? - Will there be a personalised plan, and who will write it? - What support, parent courses or groups are there locally, and do we need a referral? - Who do we contact if things get harder? ## What should I do in the first 12 weeks? You do not have to do everything at once. This plan is our suggestion, not an official NHS checklist, so move things around to suit your family. | Weeks | For your child | For you and your family | |---|---|---| | 1 to 2 | Read the report and note your questions. Check the follow-up appointment is booked. | Take the time you need. Tell the people closest to you if and when you want to. | | 2 to 4 | Share the report with the nursery or school SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator) and ask to review your child's SEN support. | Call for a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim form. Find your council's Local Offer and parent carer forum. | | 4 to 8 | Go to the follow-up. Ask about a key worker, a plan and parent courses. Start planning how to talk to your child about autism. | Send back the DLA form within 6 weeks of your call. Book a parent course or group if one suits you. | | 8 to 12 | Check the SEN support plan is working. Decide whether to ask for an EHC needs assessment. | Tell wider family and friends as you feel ready. Ask for a parent carer needs assessment if you need more help. | > **Good to know:** DLA cannot be backdated, so it is worth asking for a claim form early. If you call the DLA helpline for a form, your claim can start from the day you called, as long as you send the form back within 6 weeks ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim)). ## How do I get support at nursery or school? Share the report with your child's nursery or school and ask to meet the [SENCO](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#senco). Your child does not need a diagnosis to get [SEN support](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sen-support) ([IPSEA](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support)), but the report can help staff understand what your child finds hard and what helps. In England, the [SEND Code of Practice](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf) says schools should "take seriously any concerns raised by a parent". When a child gets SEN support, parents "must be formally notified", and the support should be agreed with you, with its expected impact and "a clear date for review". This cycle of assess, plan, do and review is called the [graduated approach](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#graduated-approach), and it runs in nurseries too. Ask for the plan in writing. ### Should we ask for an EHC needs assessment? An [EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehc-needs-assessment) is the council's detailed look at whether your child needs an [EHCP](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehcp) (Education, Health and Care Plan), a legal document that sets out their needs and the support they must get. You can ask the council yourself ([Children and Families Act 2014, section 36](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/36)). You do not need a diagnosis: the test is whether your child has or may have special educational needs and may need a plan. The Code suggests considering a request if your child has not made expected progress despite "relevant and purposeful action" at nursery or school. The council must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess ([regulation 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/5)), and the final plan is due within 20 weeks of your request ([regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/13)). In 2025, 46.1% of new plans in England were issued within 20 weeks ([Department for Education](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans)). Our guides explain [SEN support and EHCPs](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sen-support-and-ehcps) and [how to request an assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/how-to-request-an-ehcp). Proposed SEND reforms are not yet law, and the Department for Education says "no changes to the support given by EHCPs will begin before September 2030" ([Department for Education](https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/schools-white-paper-what-parents-need-to-know-about-changes-to-the-send-system/)). See [SEND reforms 2026](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/send-reforms-2026). ## Which parent courses and groups can help? Parent courses can help you learn about autism and meet other families. Ages, entry rules and waiting lists differ between areas, and some ask for a diagnosis, so check locally. - **EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus.** The National Autistic Society's [EarlyBird](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#earlybird) programme is for parents of autistic children under six, and EarlyBird Plus is for children aged five to ten. Local licensed teams run them, and you can search for one in the charity's online directory ([National Autistic Society](https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/autism-know-how/training/train-the-trainer/licensed-user)). In Lambeth, for example, EarlyBird runs over 12 weeks, with 8 group sessions and 4 home visits ([Lambeth Council](https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/lambeths-send-local-offer/im-parent-or-carer/early-years-send-support/earlybird-programme)). - **Cygnet.** Barnardo's describes Cygnet as "a seven week support programme" for parents and carers of autistic children and young people aged 5 to 18 ([Barnardo's](https://www.barnardos.org.uk/courses/cygnet-autism-support)). The booking page we found was for Wales, so check whether it runs near you. - **Local workshops.** Your autism team, council or parent carer forum may run its own sessions. In England, every council must publish a [Local Offer](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#local-offer): information about services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, including education, health, care and travel to school ([Children and Families Act 2014, section 30](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30)). Search online for your council's name and "Local Offer". A parent carer forum is a local group of parents and carers of disabled children who work with the council, education and health services ([National Network of Parent Carer Forums](https://nnpcf.org.uk/)). ## What money and practical help can we get? A diagnosis does not bring money automatically, but now is a good time to check what you can claim. - **Disability Living Allowance.** [DLA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#dla) for children under 16 depends on how much more looking after or help getting about your child needs than other children of the same age ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility)). The National Autistic Society notes that a diagnosis "will not automatically lead to an award" ([National Autistic Society](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/benefits-and-money/benefits/benefits-you-can-get/benefits-for-autistic-children)). In 2026/27, DLA for children is worth £30.30 to £194.60 a week, tax-free ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/rates)). Call the DLA helpline on 0800 121 4600 for a form. Contact has [tips on filling it in](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/), and our [DLA guide](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/dla-for-autistic-children) explains more. - **Carer's Allowance.** If your child gets the middle or highest DLA care rate and you care for them for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to claim [Carer's Allowance](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#carers-allowance), depending on your earnings ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility)). - **Help for you from the council.** In England, the council must assess a parent carer's own needs for support if you ask for a [parent carer needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#parent-carer-needs-assessment) ([Children Act 1989, section 17ZD](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/17ZD)). Councils must also publish what [short breaks](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#short-breaks) they offer and who can get them ([Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made)). Our guide to [money and practical help](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/money-and-practical-help) covers other benefits and grants. > **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** SEN support, EHC plans and the Local Offer are England's system. Scotland has additional support for learning ([Scottish Government](https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/additional-support-for-learning/)), Wales has additional learning needs and individual development plans ([Welsh Government](https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-guidance-parents-and-carers)), and Northern Ireland uses statements of special educational needs ([Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1996/274/article/16)). In Scotland, apply for [Child Disability Payment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#child-disability-payment) instead of DLA ([mygov.scot](https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment)), and Carer Support Payment instead of Carer's Allowance ([mygov.scot](https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment)). ## How do we tell our child, family and friends? Small studies suggest that learning about autism early, in a positive way, helps: in a study of 78 autistic university students, those who learned they were autistic younger felt happier about their lives ([Oredipe and colleagues, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35404160/)). The [National Autistic Society](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/after-diagnosis/talking-about-and-disclosing-your-autism-diagnosis) suggests giving small amounts of information over time, in words your child understands. Our guide to [telling your child they are autistic](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/telling-your-child-they-are-autistic) has example words for each age. With family and friends, tell people when you are ready, starting with those who spend the most time with your child. The National Autistic Society says telling others can bring more understanding and support, but that some people react with misconceptions or play a diagnosis down. It helps to explain what autism means for your child in particular: what they love, what is hard and what helps. A [one-page profile](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/one-page-profile) puts this on one sheet for grandparents, childminders and clubs. As your child grows, let them have a say in who is told. For brothers and sisters, see [explaining autism to siblings](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/siblings). ## Do we need to start therapies straight away? No. There is no need to rush, and some treatments sold to parents should not be used at all. Keep doing what already works for your child. The NHS advises keeping routines, warning your child about changes, and not trying "to change how they behave, unless it's harmful to them or others" ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/supporting-a-child/)). NICE recommends considering support for communication that "includes play-based strategies with parents, carers and teachers to increase joint attention, engagement and reciprocal communication" ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). Ask your autism team what is offered locally. NICE says not to use exclusion diets for the core features of autism, or secretin, chelation or hyperbaric oxygen therapy for autism at all ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). In September 2026 the Advertising Standards Authority ruled against adverts from three clinics selling stem cell "treatments" for autism, noting that stem cell transplants "were not a recognised treatment in the UK for autism, including in children" ([ASA](https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/linden-clinics.html)). One advert had claimed a "94% Success Rate" ([ASA](https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/estheturk-danismanlik-a-s.html)). Be wary of anything that promises recovery, quotes success rates or asks for large payments up front, and talk to your GP or autism team before paying. Our guide to [autism therapies in the UK](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/autism-therapies-and-support) explains more. > **Myth:** "A special diet will sort out my child's autism." NICE says exclusion diets, such as gluten-free or casein-free diets, should not be used for the core features of autism, and warns that restricted diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies that may have serious consequences ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). ## How do I look after myself, and where can I get help? Your wellbeing matters too. NICE says families should be offered an assessment of their own needs, including emotional and practical support ([NICE CG170](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations)). - The [National Autistic Society](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#nas) runs a Parent to Parent emotional support service with trained parent volunteers ([National Autistic Society](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support)). - [Contact](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#contact) offers 45-minute Listening Ear phone appointments with parent advisers who are parents of disabled children themselves ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/listening-ear/)), and a free helpline on 0808 808 3555. - Autism Central is an NHS-commissioned peer education programme in England for families of autistic people, with peer coaching and free online events ([Autism Central](https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/)). - Your [parent carer forum](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#nnpcf), local [SENDIASS](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#sendiass) and [IPSEA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#ipsea) can help with services and school, and [Carers UK](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#carers-uk) supports unpaid carers. - Our guide to [looking after yourself](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/looking-after-yourself) covers stress, burnout and short breaks. > **Get help now:** If you are struggling to cope, talk to your GP. If you feel desperate or unsafe, call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time ([Samaritans](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/)), or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/)). If a life is at risk, call 999. In Northern Ireland, where there is no NHS 111, call your GP or the [GP out of hours service](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service), or [Lifeline](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#lifeline-ni) on 0808 808 8000 at any time. ## Where our app, Pebble, fits Pebble's All about me page is a profile a grown-up fills in to tell other people how your child communicates and what helps. It can sit alongside the report when you talk to nursery, school or family. A paper one-page profile does the same job. Pebble by Rocks Make Pebbles is our free app for autistic children, used together with a grown-up. This guide is written to be useful without it. More: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/pebble ## Questions parents ask ### My child has been diagnosed with autism. What happens now? NICE says the team should explain the findings in person, give you a written report, offer a follow-up appointment within 6 weeks and tell you about support in your area. NICE also says every autistic child should have a key worker and a personalised plan. Services vary, so ask the team who your main contact is and what happens next. Meanwhile, share the report with your child's nursery or school. ### What support is available after an autism diagnosis in the UK? It varies by area. Common options include support at nursery or school, parent courses such as the National Autistic Society's EarlyBird programmes or Barnardo's Cygnet, local parent groups, and money such as Disability Living Allowance. In England, your council's Local Offer lists local services. NICE also recommends play-based communication support involving parents and teachers, and an assessment of your own needs as a parent or carer. ### What is the EarlyBird autism course? EarlyBird is a National Autistic Society programme for parents and carers of autistic children under six, run by local licensed teams. EarlyBird Plus is for children aged five to ten. In Lambeth, for example, EarlyBird runs over 12 weeks with group sessions and home visits. Ages and entry rules can differ between areas, and some ask for a diagnosis, so ask your autism team or search the National Autistic Society's directory. ### Can I claim benefits now my child has been diagnosed with autism? You may be able to. Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 depends on how much more care or supervision your child needs than other children of the same age, not on the diagnosis itself, so a diagnosis does not guarantee an award. In 2026/27 it is worth £30.30 to £194.60 a week. It cannot be backdated, so ask for a form soon. In Scotland, apply for Child Disability Payment instead. ### Should I apply for an EHCP straight after diagnosis? Not necessarily. In England, SEN support at nursery or school, reviewed with you, is usually the first step. You can ask the council for an EHC needs assessment yourself at any time, without a diagnosis, and the SEND Code of Practice suggests considering it if your child has not made expected progress despite support. The council must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess, and a final plan is due within 20 weeks of your request. ### How do I tell family and friends about my child's autism diagnosis? Tell people when you are ready, starting with those who spend the most time with your child. Explain what autism means for your child in particular: what they love, what is hard and what helps. The National Autistic Society notes that some people react with misconceptions or play a diagnosis down. A one-page profile can help relatives and carers support your child in the same way you do. ### Is it OK to feel grief after my child's autism diagnosis? Yes. Parents describe many different feelings after a diagnosis, including relief, sadness, worry and grief for the future they had pictured, often at the same time. A review of 11 UK studies found parents had emotional, informational and relational needs around diagnosis. There is no right way to feel, and your feelings may change. If low mood or worry starts to take over, talk to your GP or a parent support line. ### Are there therapies my child should start straight away? There is no need to rush into paid therapies. NICE recommends play-based communication support that involves parents and teachers, so ask your autism team what is offered locally. NICE says exclusion diets should not be used for the core features of autism, and chelation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not be used to manage autism at all. Be wary of anything that promises recovery or quotes a success rate, and talk to your GP or autism team before paying. ## Sources 1. [GP out of hours service](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service), nidirect, 26 November 2024 2. [UK parents' experiences of their child receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of the qualitative evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30995082/), Legg and Tickle, Autism (via PubMed), 2019 3. [Experiences of autism diagnosis: a survey of over 1000 parents in the United Kingdom](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25810370/), Crane and colleagues, Autism (via PubMed), 2016 4. [Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis (CG128), recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128/chapter/Recommendations), NICE, April 2025 5. [Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management (CG170), recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg170/chapter/Recommendations), NICE, June 2021 6. [Autism (QS51): list of quality statements](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs51/chapter/List-of-quality-statements), NICE 7. [Autism assessments](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/assessments/), NHS, 6 May 2026 8. [Review of the autism criteria in ICD-11, including its specifiers for intellectual development and functional language](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9881114/), Greaves-Lord, Skuse and Mandy, Clinical Psychology in Europe (via PubMed Central), 2022 9. [A national framework to deliver improved outcomes in all-age autism assessment pathways: guidance for integrated care boards](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/a-national-framework-to-deliver-improved-outcomes-in-all-age-autism-assessment-pathways-guidance-for-integrated-care-boards/), NHS England, April 2023 10. [Disability Living Allowance for children: how to claim](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/how-to-claim), GOV.UK 11. [The myth of needing a diagnosis before you can get support](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/blog/the-myth-of-needing-a-diagnosis-before-you-can-get-support), IPSEA, 25 April 2025 12. [SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf), Department for Education and Department of Health, January 2015 13. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 36: assessment of education, health and care needs](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/36), legislation.gov.uk 14. [The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, regulation 5](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/5), legislation.gov.uk 15. [The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/13), legislation.gov.uk 16. [Education, health and care plans, reporting year 2026](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plans), Department for Education, 25 June 2026 17. [Schools white paper: what parents need to know about changes to the SEND system](https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/schools-white-paper-what-parents-need-to-know-about-changes-to-the-send-system/), Department for Education, The Education Hub, May 2026 18. [EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus and Teen Life licensed user](https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/autism-know-how/training/train-the-trainer/licensed-user), National Autistic Society 19. [EarlyBird programme](https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/lambeths-send-local-offer/im-parent-or-carer/early-years-send-support/earlybird-programme), Lambeth Council 20. [Cygnet autism support](https://www.barnardos.org.uk/courses/cygnet-autism-support), Barnardo's 21. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 30: local offer](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30), legislation.gov.uk 22. [National Network of Parent Carer Forums](https://nnpcf.org.uk/), NNPCF 23. [Disability Living Allowance for children: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/eligibility), GOV.UK 24. [Benefits for autistic children](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/benefits-and-money/benefits/benefits-you-can-get/benefits-for-autistic-children), National Autistic Society, 14 December 2020 25. [Disability Living Allowance for children: rates](https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children/rates), GOV.UK 26. [Tips on completing the DLA form](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/tips-on-completing-the-dla-form/), Contact 27. [Carer's Allowance: eligibility](https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility), GOV.UK 28. [Children Act 1989, section 17ZD: parent carers' needs assessments](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/section/17ZD), legislation.gov.uk 29. [The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/707/made), legislation.gov.uk 30. [Additional support for learning](https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/additional-support-for-learning/), Scottish Government 31. [Additional learning needs (ALN): guidance for parents and carers](https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-guidance-parents-and-carers), Welsh Government, 19 November 2025 32. [The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, article 16: statement of special educational needs](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1996/274/article/16), legislation.gov.uk 33. [Child Disability Payment](https://www.mygov.scot/child-disability-payment), mygov.scot 34. [Carer Support Payment](https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment), mygov.scot 35. [Participatory study of 78 autistic university students on the age at which they learned they were autistic](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35404160/), Oredipe and colleagues, Autism (via PubMed), 2023 36. [Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/diagnosis/after-diagnosis/talking-about-and-disclosing-your-autism-diagnosis), National Autistic Society 37. [Supporting an autistic child](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/supporting-a-child/), NHS 38. [ASA ruling on Linden Clinics t/a Linden Stem Cell](https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/linden-clinics.html), Advertising Standards Authority, 23 September 2026 39. [ASA ruling on ESTHETURK Danismanlik A.S. t/a You Clinic Turkey](https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/estheturk-danismanlik-a-s.html), Advertising Standards Authority, 23 September 2026 40. [Help and support](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support), National Autistic Society 41. [Listening Ear](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/listening-ear/), Contact 42. [Autism Central](https://www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/), Autism Central (delivered by Anna Freud, commissioned by the NHS) 43. [Contact a Samaritan](https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/), Samaritans 44. [Where to get urgent help for mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/), NHS --- General information for families in the UK, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111 (in Northern Ireland, your GP out of hours service). In an emergency, call 999.