Family Autism ADHD Support
Pre- Diagnosis
Whether you have just started the pathway or have only started noticing your child may be on the spectrum here is a some useful information to ensure you are accessing the correct support for you and your family. Please remember some of the options may not be relevant to you
Checklist
Coffee, Chat & Support CIC
Before you even have any form of diagnosis there is an array of support available. This includes financial support, Therapies, Grants and Support which may help you and your family support your child.
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So please check out the links below and don't feel afraid to ask any questions.
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Check if your eligible for DLA ( no diagnosis required)
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Carers allowance
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Check to see what professionals may be able to help
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Support Groups ​
Local Support Groups
One of the biggest things I felt, even before my Children's diagnosis was isolation and failure. Was it my fault? Were my instincts wrong? Who can i turn too? Was I just a bad parent? Did i not spend enough time with them? Was covid to blame>
So my biggest piece of advice is to find support locally. I have a great family and wonderful friends but there were times I just needed to speak to someone who understood.
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I was worried people would feel I didn't belong in a support group. I was scared I did not know what i was doing and would feel judged.
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Professionals may not be agreeing with your gut so you feel isolating yourself is best.
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I promise you. If you can find the right group for you and you start talking to other parents you will all be saying the same things.
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You are not alone.
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Your feelings are valid.
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Your allowed to be scared.
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Your allowed to feel anger.
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But please don't ever feel alone.
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Blue Badge
Two years after Mjs diagnosis I injured my back putting Mj into his car seat while squeezing in a small gap and twisting to keep him safe while he was distressed. I was unable to walk and was needing medical care. I was then told I could apply for a Blue badge. Why had no one told me this before?
Mj is unaware of risks, cannot walk without constant supervision, can get distressed on different terrains and can lie on the floor to regulate himself at any time.
Check if you are eligible for a Blue Badge. If your child is over 3 and receives Higher rate mobility you will be automatically eligible. If you are not on higher mobility, do not have a diagnosis but have a professional who agrees that a Blue Badge would be beneficial to your family ( child may not be safe, struggle walking from car park due to sensory issues, may have meltdowns while away from the home causing them to be unsafe, unaware of danger, maybe they require a safe space buggy, struggle getting in and out of the vehicle etc) then check out the link to apply for a Blue Badge.
Courses for parents/ Carers and Proffessionals
Before I had children who were diagnosed with autism I worked as an Inclusion Coordinator in an Autism base within a mainstream. This gave me a good understanding, however Autism is a huge spectrum so accessing courses to help support my children is so invaluable.
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Most importantly I learn through talking to other parents especially when it comes to managing certain behaviours, What to do in specific circumstances and how to support my family and myself.
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Mj is non verbal so being completely in tune with him, knowing and understanding him on a much deeper level is essential to being able to fully support him allowing him to keep safe and thrive.
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I also enjoy reading books that can help me understand my children and support them effectively.
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There are many free or highly funded courses available either face to face or online.
Access FREE days out and more.
Whether your child has a diagnosis or not there are many ways you can save money or get support to enable you as a family ( some passes allow the whole family to attend for free) to access some great venues in the area and across the country. Check out the DAYS OUT page.
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The passes from the Community Inclusion and Activity Team can be used every week all year round. You must email to see if the dates you want are available. If you have a school holiday coming up I would advise booking erly but it means you can access something every week several times a week (each attraction can only be visited once by yourselves in a 7 day period) but you can access all in the same week every week if available. FREE
Charities & Grants
I remember when Mj was first diagnosed and we really struggled with keeping him safe at night. I was chatting to another mum at a local fete and she mentioned the Family Fund. I immediately went home and googled it.
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They support families on a low income from working, or benefits. You are likely to be eligible for a grant if your family’s main carer receives one of the following:
Universal Credit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income Related Employment Support Allowance
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit
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Your child does not require a diagnosis
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You can still apply if you don’t receive any benefits. They just need you to provide some extra information about your household income, or speak to someone to confirm your family income and situation. Unfortunately, they are not usually able to award a grant if you have a significant level of household income, savings or capital.
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We ordered some padding fo Mjs bedroom walls as he would headbut and kick at night injuring himself. You can get funding for so many things inc. Sensory Equipment, Electronics, Furniture, holidays and more.
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