EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
Autism support in school
You do not need to work everything out at once. Start with what you are noticing and choose a manageable next step.
Quick answer
Explore reasonable conversations about adjustments, SEN support and communication. Read the advice, note the questions that fit your situation and decide what feels like a sensible next step.
What this means
Explore reasonable conversations about adjustments, SEN support and communication. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A useful next step could be to talk with the people who know your child well and ask what support may help now.
Autism can affect communication, social interaction, sensory processing, routines, anxiety, learning and daily life in different ways. Every child and young person is different.
Free information and conversations with school, health or local support services can help you decide what to explore next.
What to do next
Things to check
Questions to ask
Local Northamptonshire route
Check the Northamptonshire Local Offer and the relevant local SENDIASS route for your area. Links should be checked before launch.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Professional help is optional. You may want free advice first, or choose additional support if you feel it would help your family understand the options.
What happens next?
The next step depends on your child’s age, needs and local route. Keep records, ask questions and review support over time.
Support that may help
School SENCO · GP or health visitor, where relevant · SENDIASS · Educational psychologist · Speech and language therapist · Occupational therapist
Helpful free resources
SEND Compass provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by Send Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.