Understanding your child • Finding support
Autism support for parents
Explore signs, assessment options and practical school support, with guidance on sensory needs, masking and EHCPs.
Whether you are noticing differences, waiting for assessment or making sense of a diagnosis, start with the question that matters to your family today.
One step at a time
What would help you most right now?
You do not need to read everything at once. Choose the starting point that fits your situation.
“Could my child be autistic?”
Explore differences parents may notice and when to seek advice.
Recognising signs of autism →“We are considering assessment.”
Understand pathways, the process and useful questions to ask.
Explore assessment guides →“School is becoming difficult.”
Find guidance on discussing needs and agreeing practical support.
Explore school support →“I want to understand their experience.”
Learn more about sensory differences and masking.
Explore sensory needs and masking →Understanding comes first
Every autistic child has their own strengths and needs
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can affect communication, learning and how someone experiences the world.
Children may experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, routines and interests. There is no single profile that describes every autistic child.
Listen to your child’s experience
Notice what feels comfortable, what is tiring and what helps. Include their interests, preferred ways to communicate and views about support.
Explore concerns without assumptions
A guide can help you recognise patterns, but cannot diagnose autism. Discuss concerns with an appropriate healthcare professional and your child’s educational setting.
Read the signs guide →Making sense of the process
Autism assessment guidance
An assessment explores development and everyday experiences. These guides explain what to expect and how to prepare.
Autism assessment for children
Start with an overview of assessment and the information that may be gathered.
Read the assessment guide →What happens during assessment?
Understand the stages and how your child and family may take part.
Explore the assessment process →Private vs NHS assessment
Compare pathways and identify questions to ask before making a decision.
Explore assessment options →Working together
Support at school starts with understanding needs
Talk to your child’s teacher or SENCO about learning, communication, sensory experiences, participation and wellbeing.
Diagnosis and school support
Explore how information about your child can help shape support.
Understand diagnosis and support →Supporting autistic children
Explore classroom approaches and changes to the learning environment.
Explore classroom support →Talking to schools
Prepare examples, questions and the next steps you want to discuss.
Prepare for the conversation →Agree a practical plan
Ask what support will be provided, who is responsible and when it will be reviewed. Include your child’s views and check whether the support is making everyday school life easier.
Explore SEN support guidance →Looking beyond what is visible
Sensory needs and masking
Understanding sensory experiences
Sound, light, touch and other sensations can affect comfort and participation. Explore your child’s individual experiences and changes that may help.
Autism and sensory processing needs →Understanding masking
Some autistic children hide or suppress aspects of their experience. Explore why this may happen and how to listen to what support they need.
Autism masking in children →When more support may be needed
Autism and EHCP support
Some children need more detailed assessment and provision. In England, an Education, Health and Care Plan sets out special educational needs and the provision required to meet them.
An autism diagnosis does not automatically lead to an EHCP, and a diagnosis is not required to request an EHC needs assessment. The focus is on needs and provision. Education systems differ across the UK.
EHCP for autism
Explore when assessment and additional provision may be relevant.
Read the autism and EHCP guide →How to apply for an EHCP
Understand how to request an assessment and explain your child’s needs.
Explore the application guide →Common questions
A clearer starting point
Where should I start if I think my child may be autistic?
Explore our signs guide, note examples and discuss your concerns with your child’s healthcare professional and educational setting. Include strengths and what helps as well as difficulties.
Can we discuss school support before diagnosis?
Yes. Raise your child’s current needs with their teacher or SENCO and agree practical support and a review date.
Does every autistic child need the same support?
No. Support should reflect the individual child, their views and the situations they find difficult. Review it as needs and demands change.
What if I am not sure which guide to read?
Start with the question closest to your current situation: recognising signs, assessment, school support or understanding sensory needs and masking.
Further information: NHS information about autism. This hub provides general guidance and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.
School of Diversity
Not sure which step comes next?
Tell us what is happening for your child and the support you are looking for. We can discuss your enquiry and explain relevant service options.