Support, Benefits, and Services in the UK
Navigating the UK's support system is complex. This page explains what's available and how to access it — and we're here to help you through it.
EHCPs — the most important document for your child
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document that describes your child's needs and the support they must receive. It is the cornerstone of additional educational provision in England for children and young people up to age 25.
What an EHCP contains
A well-written EHCP should describe your child's strengths and needs across education, health, and social care. It should set specific, measurable outcomes and name the provision required to achieve them — including the type of school, the number of specialist support hours, and any therapy provision.
How to request one
You can request an EHCP assessment directly from your local authority — you do not need to go through a school. Write to the local authority's SEND team, describe your child's needs, and ask for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Schools and professionals can also request one on your behalf.
Annual reviews and disagreements
EHCPs must be reviewed at least once a year. If you disagree with the content of an EHCP — including which school is named — you have the right to mediation and, if necessary, to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. This is a formal legal process but it is accessible to parents without legal representation.
Financial support: DLA and PIP
Autistic children and adults may be entitled to disability benefits. These are not means-tested — they are based on the impact of disability on daily life, not on income.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — for children under 16
DLA has two components: a daily living component (for care needs) and a mobility component (for getting around). The amount awarded depends on the level of need. The application involves a detailed form describing your child's difficulties — this takes time to complete well, and it is worth doing carefully.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — for adults 16 and over
PIP is assessed across two areas: daily living and mobility. Assessment is conducted through a detailed questionnaire and usually a telephone or face-to-face consultation. Many autistic adults find the process stressful and the outcomes inconsistent.
Key tip for both DLA and PIP applications: describe your worst days, not your best. The question is not what you can do in ideal circumstances — it is what daily life actually looks like when things are hard. Use specific examples. "On difficult days, I cannot leave the house due to sensory overwhelm" is more useful than "I find it hard to go out."
We do not provide benefits calculators or legal advice, but we can talk through the process with you and help you understand what to expect. Contact us.
Social care support
Social care sits alongside education and health as a pillar of support for autistic people. Understanding what is available — and how to ask for it — is important.
Children's social care
Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, local authorities have a duty to support children "in need," which can include disabled children. A Section 17 assessment (also called a child and family assessment) can result in support such as short breaks (sometimes called respite care), direct payments, and access to specialist services.
Short breaks provide disabled children with the opportunity to spend time away from their family in a safe and supportive environment — and give families essential breathing space. They can be arranged through the local authority or commissioned independently with a direct payment.
Adult social care
Autistic adults can request a needs assessment from their local authority. If needs are identified, a personal budget can be allocated to commission support — which might include a support worker, day activities, or help with daily living tasks. Adults can choose to manage this budget themselves through a direct payment.
Carers assessments
If you are a parent or carer of an autistic person, you are entitled to a carers assessment in your own right. This looks at your own needs as a carer and can result in additional support, including a personal budget for your own wellbeing.
You do not need to wait for a crisis to request a social care assessment. Contact your local authority's adult or children's social care team and ask for an assessment. If you are not sure how to do this or what to say, get in touch — we can help.
Mental health support on the NHS
Mental health difficulties are extremely common among autistic people. Getting the right support requires some understanding of what is available — and its limitations.
CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) supports under-18s with mental health difficulties. Waiting times are long in most areas. Referrals come via GP, school, or paediatrician. When requesting a referral, describe specific and current difficulties — and ask specifically about autism-informed provision, as not all CAMHS practitioners have specialist autism training.
Talking Therapies
NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) offers short-term CBT-based support for adults with anxiety and depression. Many autistic people find standard Talking Therapies insufficiently adapted to their needs. When accessing this service, it is worth asking whether autistic clients are seen and whether therapists have relevant training.
If you or someone you support is in immediate crisis, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
You can also call 116 123 (free, 24 hours), or call 111 and select the mental health option to speak to a mental health professional.
Contact us to discuss local mental health options and how to access appropriate support for autistic people in your area: info@softrose.org