Skip to main content
Vianova
Toggle navigation

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 about education and send

Show all guides

  • Additional learning needs in Wales

    How the additional learning needs system works in Wales, including Individual Development Plans, the ALNCo, the Education Tribunal for Wales and where to get advice.

    Wales only — 3 min read

  • Additional support for learning in Scotland

    How the additional support for learning system works in Scotland, including Coordinated Support Plans, requesting assessments, Enquire and Additional Support Needs Tribunals.

    Scotland only — 3 min read

  • Appealing an EHC plan decision in England

    When you can appeal an EHC plan decision, what mediation involves, how the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) works, and where to get help. England only.

    England only — 3 min read

  • College, university and further learning after school

    Post-16 options for autistic young people, including college, supported internships, apprenticeships, EHC plans up to 25 in England, and Disabled Students' Allowance.

    All UK nations — 3 min read

  • SEN support in schools in England

    How schools in England support autistic children and young people with special educational needs, what the SENCO does, and how to work with the school.

    England only — 4 min read

  • Special educational needs in Northern Ireland

    How special educational needs support works in Northern Ireland, including the stages of support, the Education Authority, SENDIST and where to get advice.

    Northern Ireland only — 3 min read

  • What is an EHC plan? A guide for England

    What an Education, Health and Care plan is, how to ask for an EHC needs assessment, the main timescales, what a plan contains and how annual reviews work.

    England only — 4 min read

  • When school is difficult for an autistic child

    Practical steps when an autistic child finds school very hard, including anxiety-related non-attendance, working with the school, part-time timetables and alternative provision.

    All UK nations — 4 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.