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Guides and resources

Plain-language guides to getting a diagnosis, education, money, rights, work and wellbeing, for autistic people of every age and the people who support them. Each guide says which UK nations it covers and lists its sources.

8 guides

Show all guides

  • Autism assessment in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

    How autism assessment works in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, including health boards, Integrated Autism Services and Health and Social Care Trusts.

    Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland — 3 min read

  • Disability benefits for disabled children

    How Disability Living Allowance and Child Disability Payment work for disabled children, how to apply, what happens at 16, and how to challenge a decision.

    All UK nations — 4 min read

  • How to get an autism assessment in England

    How referrals work in England, what NHS assessments involve, what NHS Right to Choose means, and what to check before paying for a private assessment.

    England only — 4 min read

  • Preparing for an autism assessment

    What usually happens during an autism assessment, what to gather beforehand, which adjustments you can ask for, and what the outcomes can be.

    All UK nations — 3 min read

  • Social care, assessments and short breaks

    How needs assessments work for disabled children and adults, what short breaks are, how direct payments and self-directed support work, and how to prepare for an assessment.

    All UK nations — 3 min read

  • Support for parents of young children

    Noticing differences in your child, talking to your health visitor or GP, early years support, Portage, and parent groups. You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help.

    All UK nations — 2 min read

  • What happens after an autism diagnosis

    What to expect after an autism diagnosis, how to read the report, when to tell others, and how support can be available without a diagnosis.

    All UK nations — 3 min read

  • Your rights as a carer

    Who counts as a carer, how to ask for an assessment in your nation, and how Carer's Allowance and Carer Support Payment work, including for young carers and parent carers.

    All UK nations — 3 min read

Helplines and national organisations

Organisations offering information, advice and support across the UK. Vianova is not connected to them. For local services, search the directory.

Helplines

Official information

Charities and organisations

If you need help now

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent medical help, contact NHS 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. Samaritans are available any time, free, on 116 123.

Guides are general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. They are checked against official sources and reviewed regularly. Spotted something wrong? Let us know.