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.
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Independent information note: Find Support UK is an independent directory and information resource. These guides are designed to help families understand support options more clearly. They do not provide medical, legal, or emergency advice.
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.
- What Is SEND Support? — start with a plain-English guide to school-based SEND help before an EHCP.
- 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 Right to Choose works for ADHD and autism assessments in England.
- Private ADHD & Autism Assessments in the UK — private assessment routes, costs, and provider considerations.
SEND Policy and Reform Updates
Track national SEND changes, funding updates, and how local authorities are implementing reforms across the UK.
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.
Related Support Areas
- SEND & EHCP Support
- Private Assessments
- Therapy & Specialist Support
- Local Support Groups & Charities
SEND Rights, Law and Reform Guidance
Guides to help families understand current SEND law, rights, proposed reforms, school duties and appeal routes.
- What Is SEND Support? — start with a plain-English guide to school-based SEND help before an EHCP.
- SEND & EHCP Support in the UK — understand wider SEND pathways, EHCP support and advocacy options.
- SEND Rights and Appeals Explained — understand rights, appeal routes, local authority decisions and accountability concerns.
- Individual Support Plans Explained — understand proposed Individual Support Plans and how they may relate to EHCPs.
- Current SEND Law vs Proposed Reform — separate current legal duties from proposed reforms and areas not yet confirmed.
- SEND Reform Tracker — follow major SEND reform updates and what they may mean for families.
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.