Support for families waiting for a school-age autism assessment

Support for families on the school-age ASD pathway

Support for families in Hammersmith and Fulham

In this section

Support with mental health, behaviour and emotional regulation

Confident Parent Happy Child

Provides support for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 18. The project offers a range of evidence-based parenting programmes, plus information, advice and support. Referrals can be made by parents and carers and by professionals. Find out more about the Confident Parent Happy Child parenting programme in Hammersmith and Fulham .

Kooth online wellbeing community

Online support where young people aged 11 to 25 can chat to counsellors, keep an online journal, read articles written by other young people and connect with others through a moderated group. Kooth also has a separate section on neurodiversity with useful resources. Visit Kooth .

West London Action for Children

Provides therapy and counselling for vulnerable children and young people and their families. The service predominantly supports families on a low income or receiving family tax credit. For more information, call 020 7352 1155 or visit the West London Action for Children website .

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS provide mental health assessment and treatment for children and young people aged 0 to 18, and support for their families. Read about how to access Hammersmith and Fulham CAMHS .

Mind: mental health support teams (MHST)

Provides individual support and advice, workshops and groups for children and young people, parents and carers, schools and education staff. Much of this support is school-based so speak to the SENCo at your child’s school to find out what is available. Find out more via Children and Young People support from Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind .

Cheyne clinical psychology service (EMBRACE group)

The Cheyne clinical psychology team, along with occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, music therapy and specialist nurses, run the EMBRACE group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7. This group focuses on understanding your child and making sense of their behaviour. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr Dan Siegel

This book explains meltdowns in a clear, practical way, including how a child’s brain develops over time. It offers age-appropriate strategies for day-to-day challenges, plus illustrations and tools to support emotional development, problem solving and connection within the family.

Cheyne mental health support

You can also read our Cheyne mental health support page .

Support with sleep

Cerebra

Cerebra provides advice and support for families on a range of topics including sleep. The website includes information leaflets and families can access one-to-one support via the Cerebra sleep advice service .

The Sleep Charity (including The Sleep Council)

The Sleep Charity provides advice and support on sleep. It runs online courses and also has a telephone helpline (03303 530 541) run by specialist trained sleep advisers. Visit The Sleep Charity’s children’s sleep information and support page .

Cheyne clinical psychology team

The Cheyne clinical psychology team runs a sleep workshop for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7, covering common sleep issues. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Cheyne sleep support

Read more on our Cheyne sleep support page .

Support with feeding

SOS Approach to Feeding

This video gives an introduction to why feeding and eating can be complex, why some children struggle and ways to support children to eat more comfortably. Watch the SOS parent workshop: when children won’t eat .

National Autistic Society: eating

The National Autistic Society provides information and practical advice about eating and feeding difficulties. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on eating .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy

The occupational therapy service provides online advice to support everyday activities, including feeding. Visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) .

Cheyne clinical psychology service

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common feeding challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Support with toilet training and self-care skills

ERIC: The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity

ERIC provides advice and information on toilet training and common toileting problems. Visit the ERIC website .

Family Fund

Family Fund provides grants to families on a low income for items such as washing machines and tumble dryers, or towards the cost of bedding and clothing. Find out more at Family Fund .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy (CYPOT)

CYPOT provides online advice to support children to develop everyday self-care skills. For advice on dressing, feeding, toileting, sleep, handwriting and gross motor skills, visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) and use the “Programmes” section.

National Autistic Society: toilet training

The National Autistic Society provides practical information on toilet training autistic children. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on toileting .

Hammersmith and Fulham INSPIRE team

The INSPIRE team runs termly toileting workshops for parents and carers. For enquiries, email Inspire@lbhf.gov.uk.

Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy team

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common toileting challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Support with communication

Speech and language therapy

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or communication, you can request a referral to the mainstream speech and language therapy service via your GP. This service provides assessment and advice for school-aged children.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), speech and language therapy is usually delivered through the EHCP.

Further information is available via the CLCH speech and language therapy hub , which also includes practical resources for supporting communication at home and school.

Support with sensory processing

Our sensory processing difficulties page provides detailed information and practical guidance.

OT Support Hub

The OT Support Hub sensory needs page explains sensory differences clearly and includes strategies families can try at home.

Trusted sensory resources

Books on sensory processing

  • The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
  • James Has a Sensory Processing Disorder by Alison Harris and Nika Oberholster
  • Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske

School support

All schools have a Special Educational Needs (SEN) budget to support pupils with additional needs. Many children’s needs can be met through this provision.

If you have concerns, speak with your child’s class teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo).

INSPIRE: inclusion and specialist intervention outreach service

INSPIRE supports schools working with children who have autism, communication needs, sensory needs, hearing or visual impairment, or developmental delay.

Schools and families can also access online drop-in advice sessions. More information is available via the INSPIRE hub .

Educational psychology

Educational psychologists work with schools to support children’s learning, emotional wellbeing and development. Referrals are made through the school SENCo.

Further details are available from the Hammersmith and Fulham educational psychology service .

Education, health and care needs assessment (EHCNA)

Some children may need a higher level of support. This is assessed through an EHCNA, which can lead to an EHCP. Decisions are based on level of need rather than diagnosis.

Schools must show what support is already in place before requesting an assessment. Speak to your SENCo first.

Learn more about education, health and care plans in Hammersmith and Fulham .

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

SENDIASS provides free, confidential and impartial advice to parents and carers.

Contact details and further information are available via Hammersmith and Fulham SENDIASS .

Parent support and voluntary organisations

Stephen Wiltshire Centre family hub

The Stephen Wiltshire Centre is a specialist family hub for children aged 0 to 18 with additional needs. It offers drop-ins, workshops, short breaks provision and advice.

Details of sessions and contact information are available via the Stephen Wiltshire Centre family hub page .

Other Hammersmith and Fulham family hubs

Cheyne child development service coffee mornings

Monthly coffee mornings provide an opportunity for parents and carers to meet, share experiences and receive advice while awaiting assessment or following appointments.

For details, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Parents Active

Parents Active is a parent carer forum for families in Hammersmith and Fulham. It provides peer support, training, events and opportunities to shape local services.

Visit Parents Active for more information.

Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS)

CAAS supports neurodivergent children, young people and families before and after diagnosis.

Learn more at the CAAS website .

National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society provides guidance on diagnosis, education, mental health, benefits and family support.

Visit the National Autistic Society website .

Further information: SEND Local Offer

The Hammersmith and Fulham SEND Local Offer brings together information about education, health and social care services for children and young people aged 0 to 25.

Support for families in Kensington and Chelsea

In this section

Support with mental health, behaviour and emotional regulation

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS provide mental health assessment and treatment for children and young people aged 0 to 18, and support for their families. Find out more about Kensington and Chelsea CAMHS .

Kooth online wellbeing community

Online support where young people aged 11 to 25 can chat to counsellors, keep an online journal, read articles written by other young people and connect with others through a moderated group. Kooth also has a section on neurodiversity with useful resources. Visit Kooth.

Mind: mental health support team

Provides individual support and advice, workshops and groups for children and young people, parents and carers, schools and education staff. Much of this support is school-based so speak to the SENCo at your child’s school to find out what is available. Find out more via Kensington and Chelsea Mind .

West London Action for Children

Provides therapy and counselling for vulnerable children and young people and their families. The service predominantly supports families on a low income or receiving family tax credit. For more information, call 020 7352 1155 or visit the West London Action for Children website .

Cheyne clinical psychology service (EMBRACE group)

The Cheyne clinical psychology team, along with occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, music therapy and specialist nurses, run the EMBRACE group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7. This group focuses on understanding your child and making sense of their behaviour. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr Dan Siegel

This book explains meltdowns in a clear, practical way, including how a child’s brain develops over time. It offers age-appropriate strategies for day-to-day challenges, plus illustrations and tools to support emotional development, problem solving and connection within the family.

Cheyne mental health support

You can also read our Cheyne mental health support page .

Support with sleep

Cerebra

Cerebra provides advice and support for families on a range of topics including sleep. The website includes information leaflets and families can access one-to-one support via the Cerebra sleep advice service .

The Sleep Charity (including The Sleep Council)

The Sleep Charity provides advice and support on sleep. It runs online courses and also has a telephone helpline (03303 530 541) run by specialist trained sleep advisers. Visit The Sleep Charity’s children’s sleep information and support page .

Cheyne clinical psychology team

The Cheyne clinical psychology team runs a sleep workshop for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7, covering common sleep issues. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Cheyne sleep support

Read more on our Cheyne sleep support page .

Support with feeding

SOS Approach to Feeding

This video gives an introduction to why feeding and eating can be complex, why some children struggle and ways to support children to eat more comfortably. Watch the SOS parent workshop: when children won’t eat .

National Autistic Society: eating

The National Autistic Society provides information and practical advice about eating and feeding difficulties. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on eating .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy

The occupational therapy service provides online advice to support everyday activities, including feeding. Visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) .

Cheyne clinical psychology service

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common feeding challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Cheyne sleep support

If feeding challenges are linked to sleep and routines, you can also read our Cheyne sleep support page .

Support with toilet training and self-care skills

ERIC: The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity

ERIC provides advice and information on toilet training and common toileting problems. Visit the ERIC website .

Family Fund

Family Fund provides grants to families on a low income for items such as washing machines and tumble dryers, or towards the cost of bedding and clothing. Find out more at Family Fund .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy (CYPOT)

CYPOT provides online advice to support children to develop everyday self-care skills. For advice on dressing, feeding, toileting, sleep, handwriting and gross motor skills, visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) and use the “Programmes” section.

National Autistic Society: toilet training

The National Autistic Society provides practical information on toilet training autistic children. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on toileting .

Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy team

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common toileting challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Support with communication

Speech and language therapy

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or other aspects of their communication, you can request a referral to the mainstream speech and language therapy service via your GP. This service provides assessment and advice for school-age children. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), they are likely to receive speech and language therapy through their EHCP.

Find out more via the CLCH speech and language therapy hub , which also includes a toolkit of resources to support different aspects of children’s communication.

Support with sensory processing

For more information, see our sensory processing difficulties page .

Where to get more support

The OT Support Hub is a helpful resource with information on sensory needs: Sensory needs on the OT Support Hub .

Bi-borough inclusion service

The bi-borough inclusion service runs a training session for staff and parents and carers called “Practical sensory strategies”. Read about Practical sensory strategies . You can also view the full bi-borough training newsletter .

Other helpful links (trusted, easy-to-read)

The following websites explain sensory processing differences and include strategies to support sensory needs. Some also include online training (please note that any local parent groups are only available in specific areas).

Useful books on sensory processing

  • The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz (2003) – Includes practical, child-friendly activities and strategies for sensory processing challenges.
  • James Has a Sensory Processing Disorder: Stories for Special Children by Alison Harris and Nika Oberholster – A story-based resource to help children and families understand sensory differences.
  • Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske (2009) – A detailed, practical guide with strategies for home and school.

School support

All schools have a Special Educational Needs (SEN) budget to help meet the needs of pupils with additional needs. Most children’s needs can be met with this level of support. If you have concerns about how your child is coping at school, speak to your child’s class teacher and or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Schools can also access additional services, including the following.

Bi-borough inclusion service: autism advisory team

Specialist teachers offer advice and support to students with special educational needs and to parents and carers. Find out more about the bi-borough autism advisory service .

Education, health and care needs assessment (EHCNA)

A small number of children and young people may require a higher level of support at school. This is assessed through an EHCNA where professionals contribute advice, which is collated into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Decisions are based on level of need (not diagnosis) and your child’s school will need to show what support they are already providing.

Your first step should be to speak to your school SENCo. You can also read about EHC needs assessments on the Kensington and Chelsea Local Offer .

Educational psychology service

Most schools have access to an educational psychologist who can provide support and advice about meeting individual children’s needs. This service is accessed through referrals from the school SENCo. If you have concerns, speak to the SENCo. The educational psychologist will consult with you and key school staff, and may also observe and meet with your child to develop a support plan with the school. Find out more via the educational psychology consultation service page .

Kensington and Chelsea SEND information, advice and support service (SENDIASS)

Provides confidential and impartial information, advice and support for parents, children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND in Kensington and Chelsea. Visit IASS (SEND) from Full of Life .

Parent support and voluntary organisations

Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS)

Supports neurodivergent young people aged 11 to 25 and their families to access services both pre- and post-diagnosis. For more information, call 020 8429 1552 or visit CAAS .

Family Lives

Provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. Visit Family Lives .

Full of Life

A local charity that provides information and support for families from early childhood through to adulthood. Services include day services for young people, family support services, carers’ advocacy and a regular parent carer forum. Visit Full of Life .

Incredibly Elev8ed

A non-profit foundation developed by parents, for parents. Visit Incredibly Elev8ed .

Further information on Kensington and Chelsea SEND Local Offer

Kensington and Chelsea SEND Local Offer

The Local Offer is a directory of local services for children and young people with SEND and their families. Visit the Kensington and Chelsea SEND Local Offer .

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website

Further information about services and support available locally can be found on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website .

In Deep music therapy

This service offers free music therapy groups for children with SEND and their parents. Twice a month they run groups for children aged 3 to 10, 11 to 18 and 19 to 30. Find out more about In Deep music therapy .

Support for families in Westminster

In this section

Support with mental health, behaviour and emotional regulation

Kooth online wellbeing community

Online support where young people aged 11 to 25 can chat to counsellors, keep an online journal, read articles written by other young people and connect with others through a moderated group. Kooth also has a section on neurodiversity with useful resources. Visit Kooth .

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS provide mental health assessment and treatment for children and young people aged 0 to 18, and support for their families. Find out more at CNWL CAMHS .

Mind: mental health support teams (MHST)

Provides individual support and advice, workshops and groups for children and young people, parents and carers, schools and education staff. Much of this support is school-based so speak to the SENCo at your child’s school to find out what is available. You can also visit Mind in Brent, Wandsworth and Westminster .

Cheyne clinical psychology service (EMBRACE group)

The Cheyne clinical psychology team, along with occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, music therapy and specialist nurses, run the EMBRACE group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7. This group focuses on understanding your child and making sense of their behaviour. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr Dan Siegel

This book explains meltdowns in a clear, practical way, including how a child’s brain develops over time. It offers age-appropriate strategies for day-to-day challenges, plus illustrations and tools to support emotional development, problem solving and connection within the family.

Cheyne mental health support

You can also read our Cheyne mental health support page .

Support with sleep

Cerebra

Cerebra provides advice and support for families on a range of topics including sleep. The website includes information leaflets and families can access one-to-one support via the Cerebra sleep advice service .

The Sleep Charity (including The Sleep Council)

The Sleep Charity provides advice and support on sleep. It runs online courses and also has a telephone helpline (03303 530 541) run by specialist trained sleep advisers. Visit The Sleep Charity’s children’s sleep information and support page .

Cheyne clinical psychology team

The Cheyne clinical psychology team runs a sleep workshop for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7, covering common sleep issues. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Cheyne sleep support

Read more on our Cheyne sleep support page .

Support with feeding and eating

SOS Approach to Feeding

This video offers parents and carers an introductory view of how complicated feeding and eating can be, why some children struggle and ways to support children to eat more comfortably. Watch the SOS parent workshop: when children won’t eat .

National Autistic Society: eating

The National Autistic Society provides information and practical advice about eating and feeding difficulties. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on eating .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy

The occupational therapy service provides online advice on feeding. Visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) .

Cheyne clinical psychology service

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common feeding challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Cheyne sleep support

If feeding challenges are linked to sleep and routines, you can also read our Cheyne sleep support page .

Support with toilet training and self-care skills

ERIC: The Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity

ERIC provides advice and information on toilet training and common toileting problems. Visit the ERIC website .

Family Fund

Family Fund provides grants to families on a low income for items such as washing machines and tumble dryers, or towards the cost of bedding and clothing. Find out more at Family Fund .

Children and young people’s occupational therapy (CYPOT)

CYPOT provides online advice to support children to develop everyday self-care skills. For advice on dressing, feeding, toileting, sleep, handwriting and gross motor skills, visit occupational therapy for children (CLCH) and use the “Programmes” section.

National Autistic Society: toilet training

The National Autistic Society provides practical information on toilet training autistic children. Read the National Autistic Society guidance on toileting .

Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy team

The Cheyne clinical psychology and occupational therapy teams run a group for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 7 focusing on common toileting challenges. For more information, email chelwest.ccds.psychology@nhs.net.

Support with communication

Speech and language therapy

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or other aspects of their communication, you can request a referral to the mainstream speech and language therapy service via your GP. This service provides assessment and advice for school-age children. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), they are likely to receive speech and language therapy through their EHCP.

Find out more via the CLCH speech and language therapy hub , which also includes a toolkit of resources to support different aspects of children’s communication.

Support with sensory processing

For more information, see our sensory processing difficulties page .

Where to get more support

The OT Support Hub is a helpful resource with information on sensory needs: sensory needs on the OT Support Hub .

Bi-borough inclusion service

The bi-borough inclusion service runs a training session for staff and parents and carers called “Practical sensory strategies”. Read about Practical sensory strategies . You can also view the full bi-borough training newsletter .

Other helpful links (trusted, easy-to-read)

The following websites explain sensory processing differences and include strategies to support sensory needs. Some also include online training (please note that any local parent groups are only available in specific areas).

Useful books on sensory processing

  • The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz (2003) – Includes practical, child-friendly activities and strategies for sensory processing challenges.
  • James Has a Sensory Processing Disorder: Stories for Special Children by Alison Harris and Nika Oberholster – A story-based resource to help children and families understand sensory differences.
  • Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske (2009) – A detailed, practical guide with strategies for home and school.

School support

All schools have a Special Educational Needs (SEN) budget to help meet the needs of pupils with additional needs. Most children’s needs can be met with this level of support. If you have concerns about how your child is coping at school, speak to your child’s class teacher and or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Schools can also access additional services, including the following.

Bi-borough inclusion service: autism advisory team

Specialist teachers offer advice and support to students with special educational needs and to parents and carers. Find out more about the bi-borough autism advisory service .

Education, health and care needs assessment (EHCNA)

A small number of children and young people may require a higher level of support at school. This is assessed through an EHCNA where professionals contribute advice, which is collated into an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Decisions are based on level of need (not diagnosis) and your child’s school will need to show what support they are already providing.

Your first step should be to speak to your school SENCo. You can read more on the Westminster Local Offer: Westminster education and EHCP information .

Educational psychology service

Most schools have access to an educational psychologist who can provide support and advice about meeting individual children’s needs. This service is accessed through referrals from the school SENCo. If you have concerns, speak to the SENCo. The educational psychologist will consult with you and key school staff, and may also observe and meet with your child to develop a support plan with the school. Find out more via the educational psychology consultation service page .

Westminster SEND information, advice and support service (SENDIASS)

Provides confidential and impartial information, advice and support for parents, children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND in Westminster. Visit WIASS .

Parent support and voluntary organisations

Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS)

Supports neurodivergent young people aged 11 to 25 and their families to access services both pre- and post-diagnosis. For more information, call 020 8429 1552 or visit CAAS .

Family Lives

Provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. Visit Family Lives .

Make It Happen

Make It Happen supports parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in Westminster. They provide guidance and advocacy on education, health, social care and SEND-related matters to help families navigate services, as well as helping shape new resources. Visit Make It Happen (WPPG) .

Incredibly Elev8ed

A non-profit foundation developed by parents, for parents. Visit Incredibly Elev8ed .

Further information on Westminster SEND Local Offer

Westminster SEND Local Offer

The Local Offer is a directory of local services for children and young people with SEND and their families. Visit the Westminster SEND Local Offer .

Westminster City Council website

Further information about services and support available locally can be found on the Westminster City Council website .

In Deep music therapy

This service offers free music therapy groups for children with SEND and their parents. Twice a month they run groups for children aged 3 to 10, 11 to 18 and 19 to 30. Find out more about In Deep music therapy .