See also Money to find out about benefits or funding you may be able to apply for as well as Legal & Human Rights, Education and Applied Behaviour Analysis

Resources for Parents of Newly-Identified Autistic Children

Don’t panic – autism probably isn’t what you think it is. Identifying (sometimes know as diagnosing) a child as Autistic is a cause for celebration not despair, as it can enable greater understanding and support and the development of a more authentic self-identity. However, given the huge amount of misinformation and stigma around autism, you may need some help to come to terms with the identification/diagnosis and reach a greater understanding in order to help your child develop a positive self-identity. The following resources can help.

Your Autistic child can have a great life. Here’s how. – Robin Roscigno Tedx Talk

Reframing Autism – information about Autism for parents of Autistic children

Talking to Children about Autism – Melanie Heyworth from Reframing Autism talks about discussing Autism with your child including telling them they are Autistic.

Autism in Childhood : For parents and carers of the newly diagnosed by Luke Beardon (Book)

Start Here: a guide for parents of autistic kids – a downloadable guide for parents of newly diagnosed Autistic children, written by Autistic people (includes US references but most of it will be relevant in other countries too)

Just Right for You by Melanie Heyworth – a children’s picture book about Autism

Neurobears – a resource to help children learn about Autism

Wenn Lawson talks to his teddy bears about Autism

Don’t Mourn for Us by Jim Sinclair – a classic and often-cited article first published in 1993

Dental Care

Autism Toothcare – Advice and support for families of young autistic children to care for their teeth

Mental Health

See also Mental Health

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A guide for Autistic wellbeing – Luke Beardon

Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable Adjustments for Autistic Children: How to make their world better by Luke Beardon (Book)

UK

Grove Neurodivergent Mentoring and Education – online mentoring for neurodivergent children and young people and their parents

Sibs can provide information and support for siblings of disabled children 

Scotland

Your local Carers Centre may be able to provide useful support, such as emotional support, help to access local services and help to access any benefits you may be entitled to. You can find a carers centre in Scotland through Care Information Scotland

You may also be able to get help with taking a short break from caring.

Siblings may be able to apply for the Young Scot Young Carers Package which provides access to a range of prizes and rewards.

Sleep Action provide free sleep counselling, information, advice and a sleep support line for parents and carers of children with additional support needs or mental health difficulties

Salvesen MIndroom – advocacy and support for neurodivergent children and young people up to 25, with or without a formal diagnosis