Support Guides

Find structured, plain-English guidance to help you understand SEND and neurodivergent support across the UK. These guides explain common pathways, support options, and practical next steps for families.

Core Support Guides

Most families will start with one of the core guides below.

These guides provide a broad overview of key support areas, including how services work, what to expect, and how to choose support safely.

• SEND & EHCP Support in the UK — how school support, EHCP processes, and advocacy pathways work.
• Autism Support in the UK — understanding education, therapy, family support, and community services.
• Private ADHD & Autism Assessments in the UK — how assessments work, costs, and choosing providers safely.
• Mental Health Support in the UK — emotional wellbeing support, therapy, and community services.

EHCP Practical Guides

These focused guides answer common EHCP questions families face, with clear explanations and practical next steps.

• What Schools Must Do Before an EHCP Request — what support should usually happen before an EHCP request is considered.
• Can a School Refuse EHCP Support Needs? – explains what schools can and cannot do when a child may need SEND or EHCP support.
• EHCP Process Explained Simply — a plain-English overview of the main EHC needs assessment and EHCP stages.
• EHCP Support for Parents — understand the types of EHCP help available and what to check before choosing support.
• EHCP Annual Review Explained — understand review meetings, amendments, evidence and what can happen after an EHCP is in place.
• What Evidence Is Needed for an EHCP Request? — evidence that can support an initial EHC needs assessment request.
• Moving from Mainstream to a Specialist School with an EHCP — how placement changes are considered.
• The Year 9 Transition Trap — when mainstream school stops working for a child with an EHCP.
• What Evidence Helps for an EHCP Placement Change? — evidence for changing placement after an EHCP is already in place.
• ARP vs Specialist School — how to compare ARP and specialist school options for a child with an EHCP.
• Can a School Refuse to Support a Child’s EHCP Needs? — what to do if EHCP provision is missing, reduced, or not being delivered.

Assessment and Diagnosis Guides

• Right to Choose ADHD & Autism Assessments in the UK — how NHS choice works, current provider restrictions, local commissioning limits and what to check before requesting a referral.
• Private ADHD & Autism Assessments in the UK — private assessment routes, costs, and provider considerations.

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SEND Reform and Mainstream Inclusion Guides

These guides explain emerging SEND reform topics in parent-friendly language. They separate current SEND law from proposed changes, so families can understand what applies now and what may change later.

• Current SEND Law vs Proposed Reform — Separate current SEND law from proposed changes so you know what applies now and what may change later.
• Individual Support Plans Explained — Understand proposed Individual Support Plans, how they may record SEND needs and support, and what is still not confirmed.
• National Inclusion Standards Explained — Learn how proposed national expectations may affect mainstream inclusion and SEND support.
• How Will SEND Reforms Affect EHCPs? — Learn what proposed SEND reforms may mean for EHCPs, current rights and future support planning.
• What Is Experts at Hand? — Learn how proposed specialist advice and support may be delivered earlier through mainstream education settings.
• Specialist Provision Packages Explained — Understand proposed specialist support packages, how they may relate to EHCPs and EOTAS, and what parents should still do under the current SEND system.
• SEND Reform Tracker — Follow key SEND reform updates and understand what has changed, what is proposed and what remains uncertain.
• Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) Explained — Understand the current EOTAS framework, how it relates to an EHCP, the government’s reform proposals and what remains unchanged.

SEN Support and EHCP Preparation Guides

These guides explain current school-based SEND support, evidence, the graduated approach and when an EHCP request may need to be considered.

• What Is SEND Support? — Understand school-based SEND support before an EHCP, including what schools should do and what parents can ask.
• The Graduated Approach Explained — Understand Assess, Plan, Do, Review and how schools should identify, support and review a child’s SEND needs.
• What Evidence Should Schools Use for SEND Support? — Understand the records, reports, parent views and school evidence that can support SEN Support reviews or an EHCP request.
• What Schools Must Do Before an EHCP Request — See what schools should usually try, review and evidence before an EHCP request is considered.
• EHCP Process Explained Simply — Follow the main steps in the EHCP process, from assessment request through to a final plan.
• EHCP Support for Parents — Understand practical options if your child may need more support than school-based SEN Support can provide.

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How to use these guides

• Start with a core guide to understand the overall system.
• Use practical guides to answer specific questions or situations.
• Browse support services to find providers relevant to your needs.

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Related Support Areas

• SEND & EHCP Support
• Private Assessments
• Therapy & Specialist Support
• Local Support Groups & Charities

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For Providers — Join Find Support UK

If you provide SEND, assessment, therapy, or related services, you can Submit a Support Listing or Claim a Listing.

Find Support UK is an independent directory. Listings are reviewed for clarity and accuracy.