SEN & Disabilities

A comprehensive list of medical conditions and disabilities, with additional information on associated support groups provided by Contact for Families with Disabled Children.

This is a national Disability resource directory of disabled aids, support products, services and advice. The website is owned and run by people with disabilities.

Admission Avoidance is a parents guide on how to avoid mental health admissions for young people with autism and/or a learning disability, or for a child/young person that may be on the Dynamic support register. It explains what can be done before a child/young person needs to be admitted to a tier 4 mental health hospital.

Advice Now is an independent, not-for-profit website run by the charity Law for Life.  It provides accurate and practical information on rights and the law in England and Wales including guidance on special educational needs, the provision of educational facilities for children with specific needs and details of assessments, statments and your right of appeal.

Afasic is a uk charity which supports families and Professionals working with children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments.

An animation from the Council for Disabled Children to help parents understand the Annual Review process and procedures for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

A padlet from the Child Development Centre (CDC) providing information guidance and advice about ADHD. This includes what ADHD is, how its diagnosed and managed and how ADHD may affect your child on a day to day basis.

A padlet from the Child Development Centre for children providing information about ADHD.

A padlet from the Child Development Centre (CDC) for young people providing information about ADHD.

The Devon Autism Alert Card was launched to support people on the autistic spectrum so that they could show someone in situations they might find challenging.  It is supported by Devon and Cornwall police and other emergency services.  They hope it will help them identify people on the autistic spectrum and advise them that they may need to change their approach because the card holder is Autistic.

The card is free and available to anyone who feels they are on the Autistic Spectrum.

This is an instagram page from a Plymouth mum with 4 sons sharing her journey and raising awareness of autism and special needs… the good, the bad and everything in between.

Autism Central is a peer education programme, commissioned by NHS England. It aims to build knowledge and understanding of autism and empower families and carers to advocate for the autistic people they support.

Autism Central is a new programme commissioned by NHS England for parents and carers. It aims to help families and carers learn more about autism, and the support available to them by signposting to useful resources and learning.

The Autism Education Trust provide useful information for parents on autism, including resources on exclusions and steps to avoid the exclusion of autistic pupils.

A padlet from the Child Development Centre summarising some of the frequently asked questions by parents following an autism spectrum diagnosis and also links to other key resources.

Rehab Recovery offers free advice and guidance for autistic people who suffer with an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Resources from the National Autistic Society (NAS) for autistic teenagers.

Provides information and advice on supporting children with dyslexia.

Factsheets provided by GOV.UK give an overview of the Care Act and the duties and powers of local authorities under the Act. The factsheets and accompany Part 1 of the Care Act and are available to download.

Provides information on careers, educational courses, volunteering, training opportunities and other personal support for young people aged 13-19 years old (up to 25 for those with a learning difficulty or disability) enabling young people to make informed decisions and choices.

This website offers a range of information relating to ADHD, Autism, Speech and Language and SEND related issues.  Resources are free and include simple, step by step instructions and tips on how to adapt them for individual needs.  There is also a free monthly newsletter full of useful blogs, information and free resources.

A confidential free advice line available to all children, young people and their families who are on the Neurodiversity pathway within Plymouth. Can offer advice and support on sleep, diet, anxiety, school refusal, friendships and positive support strategies. Call 01752 435404 Monday to Friday, 9-11am and 2-4pm.

Do you have a neurodivergent child?

Coffee and Connect is a casual meet up for parents and carers of neurodivergent children aged 0-18 years with the opportunity to talk to Livewell’s Community Support Workers over a coffee.

Parent carers, is your child (aged 0-18) on a neurodiversity waiting list? Do you need wellbeing support and advice while you wait?

The Children, Young People and Families Neurodiversity Wellbeing team are offering “While You Wait” drop-in sessions, every Tuesday from 9-11am at Fourwoods Family Hub, 415 Crownhill Road, Plymouth PL5 2LN. No need to book, you can just turn up!