Online support workshops
We have a wide range of online workshops led by SEND professionals, providing practical advice and guidance to help you support your child’s needs.
Information & advice
Autism
Autism affects how a person processes information, communicates and interacts with the world.
If you think your child has autism, there are a range of support options and resources available to help navigate this journey.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that impacts how a person interacts and communicates with others, as well as how they perceive the world. It is a spectrum condition, meaning it’s different for everyone.
Autism isn’t an illness or something that needs to be “cured,” but some autistic children and young people may need support with certain areas of life.
While there’s no known cause for autism, research suggests a genetic link. It’s important to know that it is not caused by vaccines or parenting styles, despite common myths.
What are the Signs of Autism?
Recognising autism symptoms can be the first step towards understanding your child’s needs. It usually develops in childhood and is a lifelong condition.
Parents or carers often notice unusual behaviours, developmental delays or regression before the child is 18 months old. Sometimes autism signs can be missed, especially in girls who may show less typical signs leading to later diagnosis.
Common signs of autism in young children:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Delayed or unusual speech, including repeating phrases (echolalia)
- Difficulty with imaginative play
- Sensory issues (being over or under-sensitive to sounds, smells, textures etc.)
Common signs of autism in older children:
- Struggling with changes or transitions
- Difficulty understanding others’ thoughts or feelings
- Difficulty expressing how they feel
- Strong interest in specific topics or activities
- Struggling to make friends or preferring to be alone
It’s important to remember that autism affects everyone differently, and the challenges for one child might not be an issue for another.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
If you think your child might be autistic, it’s a good idea to keep a record of their behaviours and talk to your GP. If the GP agrees there are signs of autism, they’ll refer you to a specialist for an assessment.
This process can take a long time, often years, so it’s helpful to talk to your child’s school, health visitor or GP about getting support in the meantime.
If your child is diagnosed with autism, it’s important to let their school or nursery know. If they need more support than the school can offer, you can apply for an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP), which outlines the support they need and provides funding.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for an EHCP and schools, GPs, social workers or you as a parent can start the application.
How can I Support my Autistic Child?
Managing daily life with an autistic child can be overwhelming, but there are many different resources and support options available for you and your family.
Every child and young person is unique, and understanding their individual needs is key.
1:1 support for parents
We offer one-on-one personalised support to help you navigate the complex SEND system and find the right support for your child.
Techniques to Support your Autistic Child
Here are some practical techniques to help your autistic child thrive:
- Reduce stress and anxiety – use different types of support to help lower your child’s stress and anxiety in unexpected situations.
- Create predictability – implement visual aids and a consistent routine to provide comfort and structure.
- Prepare for new situations – use social scripts to help your child understand what to expect in new situations, like starting school or moving to a new class. They can also help to explain the “unwritten” social rules that might be harder for your child to grasp.
- Support sensory needs – use tools like fidget toys, ear defenders, or scheduled movement breaks to help your child feel more at ease.
Autistic Burnout in Young People
Autistic burnout can happen when an autistic young person faces long-term stress, sensory overload, or feels pressured to mask their autism. It can be especially challenging during school, friendships, or big changes.
Our Young People’s hub has a helpful article about autism burnout, with experiences and tips shared by other young people.
Our Online Workshops
Our online workshops provide expert advice, practical tools, and a supportive community to help you navigate and support your child’s unique needs.
Autism
9 Jan 2025
Autism & Sensory Processing Disorder
Find out about Autism and Sensory Processing Difference, how these affect children, and how to support them.
ADHD
15 Jan 2025
Autism & ADHD
Explore the differences and similarities between ADHD and Autism and discover strategies to support your child.
Sleep
22 Jan 2025
Sleep Support
For all areas outside Hull, ERYC, N & NE Lincs. Explore the science behind sleep, how SEND can impact, and strategies to support a better night’s sleep for you and your child.
Autism
3 Feb 2025
Demand Avoidance
Join our informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers of children with a Demand Avoidance diagnosis
Autism
11 Feb 2025
Masking
Masking is one of the main characteristics of autism in girls. Find out what masking is and how to support.
ADHD
14 Feb 2025
Autism & ADHD
Explore the differences and similarities between ADHD and Autism and discover strategies to support your child.
Sleep
27 Feb 2025
Sleep Support
For all areas outside Hull, ERYC, N & NE Lincs. Explore the science behind sleep, how SEND can impact, and strategies to support a better night’s sleep for you and your child.
“Kids is very supportive and non judgemental, as a parent I also feel reassured that we are doing the best we can in bringing up our neurodiverse child and we’re not on our own.”
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about autism.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need extra support due to special educational needs. It outlines the extra support autistic children and young people need at school or college to help them learn and achieve their goals. You can apply for an EHCP without a formal diagnosis.
To get a private diagnosis for autism in the UK, you can book an appointment with a private autism specialist, including a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist. You don’t need a referral from your GP for private assessments, but it’s a good idea to let them know so they can update medical records. Private assessments may be quicker, but can cost a lot of money.
Masking in autism is when someone hides or changes their natural behaviours to fit in with others or meet social expectations. This might include copying what others do, pretending to make eye contact or hiding feelings. Masking can be tiring and stressful for autistic children and young people.
Masking may also present more in autistic girls due to the stereotypes around how they ‘should’ behave.
Sensory needs in autism refer to how some children and young people are very sensitive or not sensitive enough to things like sounds, lights, textures, smells or touch. For example, loud noises might feel painful, or bright lights might be overwhelming. Some autistic children might seek out certain sensations, like touching soft things, or avoid certain textures.
Non-verbal autism means an autistic person doesn’t use spoken language or speaks very little. Instead, they may communicate using other methods like gestures, pictures or devices that help to express themselves. Non-verbal individuals may still understand what is being said, even if they don’t talk.
The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows patients to choose where they receive their care. If your child has been on a long waiting list for an NHS diagnosis, you can request your GP to refer you to another provider, possibly reducing your waiting time.