# Starting nursery or reception with an autistic child

> To prepare an autistic child for nursery or reception, start early: choose a setting that will adapt, meet the SENCO (the person who co-ordinates special educational needs support), and get your child ready with visits, photos, a picture story and a visual timetable. Your child can get SEN support without a diagnosis. In England, a 2 year old who gets DLA or has an EHCP can get 15 funded hours a week.

- Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/starting-nursery-or-school
- Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk)
- Topic: Nursery, school and SEND
- Applies to: England
- Last updated: 28 September 2026. Checked against sources: 28 September 2026
- Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a early years or SEN teacher and SENCO)
- Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy

## Key points

- Your child can get SEN support at nursery or school without an autism diagnosis.
- In England, a 2 year old who gets DLA or has an EHCP can get 15 funded hours a week.
- A summer-born child need not start school until the September after they turn 5, but will then join Year 1 unless reception is agreed.
- Once your child is of compulsory school age, a part-time timetable should have your agreement, regular reviews and an end date.
- Prepare with visits, photos, a first-day picture story, a visual timetable and a one-page profile.
- Plan quiet time after school: behaviour at home and at school can be very different.

## What help can my child get at nursery?

Your child can get [SEN support](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sen-support), extra help planned by the nursery, without an autism diagnosis. The law defines special educational needs by the help a child needs, not by diagnosis ([Children and Families Act 2014, s.20](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/20)), and the charity Scope says "Your child does not need a diagnosis to get SEN Support either: before they go to school or at school" ([Scope](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed)).

Nurseries use the same four-step cycle as schools: assess, plan, do and review, called the [graduated approach](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#graduated-approach). The [SEND Code of Practice](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf) says you should be involved at every stage (para 5.44). Nurseries and other group settings are expected to name a [SENCO](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#senco), and childminders are encouraged to (para 5.53).

In England there is also help with funding (2026/27):

| Help | Who it is for | What it gives |
|---|---|---|
| Funded hours at 2 | 2 year olds who get [DLA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#dla) or have an EHCP (and some other families) | 15 hours a week for 38 weeks ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-extra-support)) |
| [Disability Access Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#disability-access-fund) | Children at nursery who get DLA and use any funded hours | At least £975 a year, paid by the council to your child's main nursery ([DfE](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027)) |
| SEN inclusion fund | Nursery-age children with special educational needs, however many hours they attend | Top-up grants to the nursery for "low-level or emerging SEN" ([DfE](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027)) |

Apply for the hours at 2 through your council's early years team or Family Information Service. For the Disability Access Fund, tell the nursery your child gets DLA; the nursery or council may ask to see the award letter. Your council's [Local Offer](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#local-offer) explains how nurseries apply to the SEN inclusion fund ([DfE early years funding guide 2026 to 2027](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027)).

> **Good to know:** You do not need to wait for a diagnosis to claim DLA ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/)), and DLA opens the door to funded hours at 2 and the Disability Access Fund. See [DLA for autistic children](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/dla-for-autistic-children).

## How do I choose a nursery or school?

Visit while children are there, meet the SENCO, and listen for specific answers that name a person, a place or a plan. The National Autistic Society suggests schools give access to a calm or quiet space, use visual timetables and make sure the child has a trusted adult to talk to ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/what-can-my-autistic-child-get-support-with-at-school)).

| Topic | Questions to ask | Good signs |
|---|---|---|
| SEN support | Who is the SENCO? How do you plan support with parents? | A named person and a written plan with review dates |
| Communication | How will staff learn how my child communicates? Do you use pictures or signs? | Visual timetables already in use |
| Sensory needs | Is there a quiet space? What are lunch and assembly like? Can my child wear ear defenders? | A real place and real adjustments, not "we'll see" |
| Starting | Can we have extra visits, photos and a gradual start? | Yes, with dates |
| Toileting | How do you support children who are not yet dry? | A plan made with you |
| Hard moments | What happens when a child is overwhelmed? How will you tell me? | Calm adults, a safe space, contact the same day |

If you are thinking about a special school, an EHCP can name a mainstream or special school, and you can ask for a particular one ([SEND Code of Practice, paras 9.78 to 9.79](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf)).

Ask the council about transport too. From compulsory school age, a child at their nearest suitable school gets free travel if SEN, disability or a mobility problem means they could not reasonably walk there, even with you ([DfE travel to school guidance, May 2026](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a10649929bb11891b1cf096/Travel_to_school_for_children_of_compulsory_school_age.pdf)). Before that, councils can choose to help, and most do for reception children who will later qualify.

## Can my child start reception later or part time?

Yes, up to a point. Most children in England start reception full time in the September after they turn 4, but a child can start part time or part-way through the year. Every child must be in full-time education by compulsory school age, which is 31 December, 31 March or 31 August after their 5th birthday, whichever comes first ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/school-starting-age)).

For summer-born children, born 1 April to 31 August, the Department for Education's [advice for parents](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summer-born-children-school-admission/summer-born-children-starting-school-advice-for-parents) says:

- They do not need to start school until the September after their 5th birthday.
- If they start at 4, you can agree part-time attendance or a later start with the school, "but not later than the beginning of the summer term".
- To start reception at 5 rather than Year 1, you ask the school's admission authority, which decides in your child's best interests. The government says it "should be rare for a child to start school in year 1".
- Funded childcare continues until your child starts school or reaches compulsory school age.
- The advice "does not apply to children with education, health and care (EHC) plans". If your child has one, talk to your council.
- Having SEND "does not necessarily mean a child should delay starting school".

There is no single right answer. Talk it through with the nursery SENCO.

Once your child reaches compulsory school age, a [part-time timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#part-time-timetable) is only for "very exceptional circumstances, where it is in a pupil's best interests", and it "should not be used to manage a pupil's behaviour". It should have the agreement of the school and the parent your child normally lives with, regular reviews that include you and your child, and a proposed end date ([DfE attendance guidance, July 2026, paras 65 to 69](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a4f9ec6a6586e258d371bd0/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_2026.pdf)). See [when school is hard](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/when-school-is-hard).

## How can I prepare my child for the first day?

Make the new place familiar before your child starts. The National Autistic Society suggests schools "Share timetables and maps, photos or videos of a new school early" and offer visits and a phased start ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/what-can-my-autistic-child-get-support-with-at-school)).

1. **Visit more than once.** Short visits, meeting the adult who will work most with your child.
2. **Take photos** of the classroom, coat peg, toilets, lunch hall, playground and key staff.
3. **Make a first-day picture story** with those photos, in order: "I hang my coat on my peg. I play in the sand. At home time, Dad comes." This is a kind of [social narrative](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#social-narrative). Read it together when your child is calm.
4. **Use a [visual timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#visual-timetable)** of the school day, with the school's pictures if you can. Try the [visual timetable printable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/visual-timetable) and the guide to [visual timetables](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/visual-timetables).
5. **Write a [one-page profile](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#one-page-profile):** how your child communicates, what they love, what upsets them and what helps. Use the [one-page profile template](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/one-page-profile) and give copies to the SENCO and class staff.
6. **Practise** the uniform, shoes, lunchbox and route to school, a little at a time.

> **Evidence check:** Visual supports such as picture timetables are among the most-studied autism approaches: a US review counted 65 studies ([NCAEP 2020](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf)). Picture stories are less certain: a 2022 review of 12 studies with 30 young children concluded that social stories "cannot be considered an evidence-based practice for young children" ([Wahman et al. 2022](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1325683.pdf)). They can still show simply what will happen.

| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| About a year before | Visit settings and read your council's Local Offer. For reception, apply by your council's deadline. |
| The term before | Meet the SENCO. Share reports and your one-page profile. Agree extra visits and how the first weeks will work. |
| 4 to 6 weeks before | Take photos. Make the picture story and visual timetable. Practise the route and the uniform. |
| The first weeks | Keep the rest of life quiet. Plan calm time after every session. |
| By the first half-term | Meet the SENCO to review how it is going and agree a written plan with a review date. |

## What about noise, ear defenders and sensory needs?

Noise is hard for many autistic children. A review of 67 studies estimated that about 4 in 10 autistic people have decreased sound tolerance, often called [hyperacusis](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#hyperacusis), at any one time ([Williams et al. 2021](https://doi.org/10.1097/aud.0000000000001005)). The National Autistic Society suggests schools "Allow ear defenders or noise-cancelling headphones and tinted glasses" ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/what-can-my-autistic-child-get-support-with-at-school)).

The research on ear defenders is small. In a pilot study of 21 autistic children aged 4 to 16, children did better on their own goals with earmuffs, noise-cancelling headphones made no clear difference, and 4 children refused both ([Ikuta et al. 2016](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkjot.2016.09.001)). The National Autistic Society cautions that using ear defenders "a lot may increase sensitivity over time", although its page cites no research for this ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/sensory-processing)). A 2026 expert commentary advises a plan tailored to each child before using headphones in school ([Herrebrøden et al. 2026](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105301)).

So agree a short written plan: when your child uses them (for example assembly or lunch), how they ask for them, and what else helps, such as a quieter place to eat or a warning before the fire alarm test.

If your child is disabled under the Equality Act, meaning an impairment with a substantial and long-term effect on everyday activities ([Equality Act 2010, s.6](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6)), the school must make [reasonable adjustments](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#reasonable-adjustments), such as changing a practice or providing an aid ([Schedule 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/13)). See [sensory differences](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sensory-differences).

## What if my child is not toilet trained?

Your child can still start school. The National Autistic Society says "Admission to school should not be refused simply because a child has difficulties with continence" ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/toileting/parents)). The charity ERIC says schools should not routinely call parents in to change children, and that children with identified needs should have an individual healthcare plan and a discreet toilet pass ([ERIC](https://eric.org.uk/information/school-toilet-policy/)). Statutory guidance for schools in England says it is not acceptable to make parents feel obliged to come in to give medical support to their child, "including with toileting issues" ([DfE](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf)).

Ask for a written toileting plan, and use the same picture steps at home and at nursery or school. The [toileting sequence printable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/printables/toileting-sequence) can help. See [toilet training an autistic child](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/toilet-training).

## What should I ask the SENCO at our first meeting?

The SENCO (special educational needs co-ordinator) organises SEN support and works closely with parents. In a mainstream school, the SENCO must be a qualified teacher ([SEND Code of Practice, paras 6.84 to 6.89](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf)).

Bring your one-page profile and any reports. Try to agree:

- how your child communicates, what helps and the early signs of stress
- which visual supports staff will use, with copies for home
- sensory adjustments, a toileting plan and a lunchtime plan
- your child's key adult, and how you will share news each day
- what SEN support will be put in place, what difference it should make, and when it will be reviewed

For school pupils, the [Code](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf) says parents "must be formally notified" when SEN support is provided, and the plan should include the expected impact and "a clear date for review" (para 6.48). It also says "Schools should take seriously any concerns raised by a parent" (para 6.45). Afterwards, email a short list of what you agreed. If SEN support is not enough, you can ask for an [EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehc-needs-assessment) yourself (see [SEN support or an EHCP?](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/sen-support-and-ehcps) and [how to request one](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/how-to-request-an-ehcp)).

## Why is my child fine at school but falling apart at home?

Behaviour at home and at school can be very different. The NHS says autistic children "may need time to settle when they return from school", and that some become very exhausted from trying to cope with daily life ([NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/supporting-a-child/)). Some children [mask](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#masking), hiding their differences to cope at school ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/masking)), then let go at home where they feel safe. It does not mean you, your child or the school are doing something wrong.

In the first weeks:

- Keep after-school time quiet: a snack, a favourite activity, few questions and few demands.
- Keep a short diary of what happened before each hard evening. The National Autistic Society says patterns may emerge ([NAS](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences)).
- Share what you notice with the school.
- If the school sends your child home for disciplinary reasons, statutory guidance says this is a suspension, which must be formally recorded and confirmed to you in writing ([DfE exclusion guidance, paras 18 to 20](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf)).

For what helps during a [meltdown](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#meltdown), see [meltdown, tantrum or shutdown](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/meltdowns-tantrums-and-shutdowns).

> **Get help now:** If your child is hurting themselves, stops eating or drinking, or loses skills they used to have, get medical advice promptly from your GP, or call NHS 111 if it is urgent. In an emergency, 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).

## Where can I get more help?

- **The SENCO** at your nursery or school, first.
- **Your local [SENDIASS](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#sendiass)**, the free SEND information, advice and support service for your area. Find yours through the [Council for Disabled Children](https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service/).
- **[Contact](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#contact)**, whose freephone helpline, 0808 808 3555, is for parents of disabled children aged 0 to 25 anywhere in the UK ([Contact](https://contact.org.uk/about-contact/contact-us/)).
- **[IPSEA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#ipsea)**, for free legal advice about SEND in England.
- **Your council's Local Offer**, which must publish information about local SEND services ([Children and Families Act 2014, s.30](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30)).
- **Your health visitor or GP**, for health questions and referrals.

> **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** The rules on this page are for England. Scotland has additional support for learning, Wales has additional learning needs (ALN) and Northern Ireland uses statements of SEN. The National Autistic Society explains support in [Scotland](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/education-plans-and-asn-support-in-scotland), [Wales](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/individual-development-plans-and-aln-support-in-wales) and [Northern Ireland](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/statements-of-sen-and-school-support-in-northern-ireland). For advice, try [Enquire](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#enquire) in Scotland or [SNAP Cymru](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#snap-cymru) in Wales.

## Where our app, Pebble, fits

Pebble's My day screen shows the day as Now and Next or as a list, and can print a matching picture strip, so the same pictures of the school day can go in the book bag and on the fridge. Grown-ups can also write their own picture stories, such as a first day at school. A paper timetable and a home-made photo book work just as well.

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

### Can my autistic child go to school if not potty trained?

Yes. The National Autistic Society says admission to school should not be refused simply because a child has difficulties with continence, and the charity ERIC says schools cannot refuse admission on continence grounds under the Equality Act 2010. In England, statutory guidance says schools should not make parents feel obliged to come in to deal with toileting. Ask the school for a written toileting plan, and use the same picture steps at home and at school.

### Can I defer reception for my autistic child?

In England, every child must be in full-time education by compulsory school age: 31 December, 31 March or 31 August after their 5th birthday, whichever comes first. Before then, your child can start part time or later in the school year. A summer-born child, born 1 April to 31 August, does not have to start until the September after they turn 5, but would then normally go into Year 1. To start in reception instead, you ask the admission authority, which decides. If your child has an EHCP, talk to your council.

### Can my child start reception on a part-time timetable?

Before compulsory school age, you can agree part-time attendance with the school. After that, the Department for Education's July 2026 attendance guidance says a part-time timetable is only for very exceptional circumstances where it is in your child's best interests, and it should not be used to manage behaviour. It should have your agreement, regular reviews that include you and your child, and a proposed end date. If your child has an EHCP, the school should discuss the timetable with the council.

### Should my child wear ear defenders all day at school?

Research cannot answer this yet. In a small study of 21 autistic children, earmuffs helped children make progress on their own goals. The National Autistic Society cautions that using ear defenders a lot may increase sensitivity over time, although it cites no research for this. A sensible middle path is a written plan with the school: ear defenders for predictable noisy times such as assembly or lunch, plus a quiet space and warnings before loud noises.

### Why is my child fine at school but has meltdowns at home?

Behaviour at home and at school can be very different, and it does not mean you, your child or the school are doing something wrong. The NHS says autistic children may need time to settle when they return from school. Some children mask their differences to cope during the day and let go once they feel safe. Plan quiet, low-demand time after school, keep a short diary of hard evenings, and share what you notice with the school.

### Does my child need a diagnosis to get help at nursery?

No. Special educational needs are about the help a child needs, not about a diagnosis. The law in England defines special educational needs without mentioning diagnosis, and the charity Scope says a child does not need a diagnosis to get SEN support before school or at school. Talk to the nursery SENCO. You can also claim DLA and ask the council for an EHC needs assessment without a diagnosis.

### Can my 2 year old get free hours because they get DLA?

Yes, in England. A 2 year old who gets Disability Living Allowance, or has an EHCP, can get 15 hours of funded early education a week for 38 weeks. Apply through your council's early years team or Family Information Service. The hours start from 1 January, 1 April or 1 September, depending on when your child turns 2. If your child gets DLA and uses funded hours, the nursery can also get the Disability Access Fund, at least £975 a year in 2026/27.

## Sources

1. [GP out of hours service](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/gp-out-hours-service), nidirect, 26 November 2024
2. [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
3. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 20: When a child or young person has special educational needs](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/20), legislation.gov.uk
4. [Support for a child without a diagnosis](https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/find-support-services-before-child-diagnosed), Scope, 15 July 2026
5. [Help with childcare costs: 15 hours free childcare for 2 year olds](https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds-extra-support), GOV.UK
6. [Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2026 to 2027](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027), Department for Education, 2026
7. [Disability Living Allowance](https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/disability-living-allowance/), Contact
8. [What can my autistic child get support with at school?](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/what-can-my-autistic-child-get-support-with-at-school), National Autistic Society
9. [School admissions: school starting age](https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions/school-starting-age), GOV.UK
10. [Summer-born children starting school: advice for parents](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summer-born-children-school-admission/summer-born-children-starting-school-advice-for-parents), Department for Education, 27 April 2023
11. [Working together to improve school attendance (statutory guidance)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a4f9ec6a6586e258d371bd0/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_2026.pdf), Department for Education, July 2026
12. [Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism](https://ncaep.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/EBP-Report-2020.pdf), National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP), 2020
13. [Examining the effects of Social Stories on challenging behavior and prosocial skills in young children: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Wahman, Pustejovsky, Ostrosky and Santos)](https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1325683.pdf), Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 2022
14. [Prevalence of decreased sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in autistic people: a meta-analysis (Williams, Suzman and Woynaroski)](https://doi.org/10.1097/aud.0000000000001005), Ear and Hearing, 2021
15. [Earmuffs and noise-cancelling headphones for autistic children: a pilot study (Ikuta and colleagues)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkjot.2016.09.001), Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016
16. [Autism and sensory processing](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/sensory-processing), National Autistic Society
17. [Noise-cancelling headphones in school: a perspective (Herrebrøden and colleagues)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105301), Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2026
18. [Equality Act 2010, section 6: Disability](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6), legislation.gov.uk
19. [Equality Act 2010, Schedule 13: Education](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/13), legislation.gov.uk
20. [Toileting: a guide for parents](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/toileting/parents), National Autistic Society
21. [School toilets](https://eric.org.uk/information/school-toilet-policy/), ERIC, The Children's Bowel & Bladder Charity
22. [Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ce6a72e40f0b620a103bd53/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf), Department for Education, December 2015
23. [Supporting an autistic child](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/supporting-a-child/), NHS, 6 May 2026
24. [Masking](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/masking), National Autistic Society
25. [Meltdowns](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/meltdowns/all-audiences), National Autistic Society, 14 August 2020
26. [Suspension and permanent exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England (effective from 26 July 2026)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf), Department for Education, July 2026
27. [Find your local IAS service](https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service/), Council for Disabled Children
28. [Contact us](https://contact.org.uk/about-contact/contact-us/), Contact
29. [Travel to school for children of compulsory school age (statutory guidance)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a10649929bb11891b1cf096/Travel_to_school_for_children_of_compulsory_school_age.pdf), Department for Education, May 2026
30. [Children and Families Act 2014, section 30: Local offer](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/section/30), legislation.gov.uk
31. [Education plans and ASN support in Scotland](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/education-plans-and-asn-support-in-scotland), National Autistic Society
32. [Individual Development Plans and ALN support in Wales](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/individual-development-plans-and-aln-support-in-wales), National Autistic Society
33. [Statements of SEN and school support in Northern Ireland](https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/education/getting-help-at-school/statements-of-sen-and-school-support-in-northern-ireland), National Autistic Society

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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.