Autism: Support and Resources

Advice and Information - 31 July 2024

We designed this page to provide support and resources for children and young people with autism or social and communication challenges. This page will be regularly updated to provide up to date contact information.
parents smiling with their son

Healthwatch Wandsworth’s 2024-2025 research priority is children and young people’s experiences of autism and mental health.

  • Wandsworth Information, Advice and Support Service (WIASS) - WIASS is the local information and advice service in Wandsworth for children aged 0-25 with SEND and their families/carers.
    Contact details: 
    020 8871 8065
    wiass@wandsworth.gov.uk

  • SEND in Mind - SEND in Mind provides assistance with the practical and emotional aspects of caring for a child with SEND who is 0-19 years old. They also give advice and information. 
    Contact details: SENDinMind@bwwmind.org.uk

  • A2ndVoice - A2ndVoice hosts events for children with SEND and their families. They also offer support and advice.
    Contact details: hello@a2ndvoicecic.co.uk

  • SEND Parent Carers in Wandsworth - This group is run by local parents and carers of children and young people with SEND. They keep fellow parents in the loop about SEND events and changes to SEND provision and signpost to helpful resources in the community.
    Contact details: admin@sendpcwandsworth.org.uk   

  • Sen Talk - SEN talk holds events, workshops, support groups, and one-to-one support to families and carers of children with SEN.
    Contact details: 020 7223 1694, email: info@sentalk.org 

  • National Autistic Society - The National Autistic Society provides information and support to people with autism and their families. Notably, they have a support pack for before, during and after the diagnosis process. Visit their website to access their resources.

  • IPSEA - A SEND law charity that offers information and advice on how to access entitlements. 

  • Family Information Service - The Family Information Service for the borough of Wandsworth is a comprehensive directory of local services for children, families, and SEND.
    Contact details: 020 8871 7899 or email fis@wandsworth.gov.uk 

  • WAND Card - This is a form of identification showing  membership of Wandsworth's Disabled Children's Register. This can provide your child with free and discounted services across the borough from participating businesses.
    Contact details: 020 8871 8907 or email: dcrwand@wandsworth.gov.uk 

  • Wandsworth Autism Advisory Service (WAAS) - This is a multi-agency team with professionals from education, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology working together to offer support that promotes the inclusion of children with autism in Wandsworth. In addition to school support, they offer sibling groups and groups for children with autism.
    Contact details: 020 8871 6882 or AutismAdvisory@wandsworth.gov.uk 

  • Wandsworth Carers Centre - Wandsworth Carers Centre is a charity that supports unpaid carers in the borough. They offer information, advice, and support groups.
    Contact details: 020 8877 1200 or info@wandsworthcarers.org.uk

  • SOS SEN - A charity that supports children and families as they aim to get the right educational provision.
    Contact details: 020 4592 3254

  • Autistica - A research charity that offers information on what autism is and conducts research on autism to shape policy.
    Contact details: 020 3857 4340 or info@autistica.org.uk

  • SEN Unity - A charity that combines sports, education, and music to support children of all abilities. They offer a range of sessions in education settings, support for families, and holiday camps. 
    Contact details: 079 6351 9846

  • iSensory CIC - On instagram (website coming soon) - A charity that combines sports, education, and music to support children of all abilities. They offer a range of sessions in education settings, support for families, and holiday camps.

  • Early years SEND inclusion service - The Early Years SEND Inclusion Service is delivered by Richmond and Wandsworth Council. They offer three services: Portage, which is a home visiting service for children aged 0-4 years old with SEND; The Early Years SEND Inclusion Advisory Service, which is a team that supports children aged 3 months to 5 years old with Wandsworth Early Years providers; and the Enhanced Children's Centre which offers sessions for young children with additional needs. Take a look at their webpage for details.
    Contact details: 020 8871 5690 or email: monika.hammel-lobo@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

  • Ambitious about Autism - Ambitious about Autism has a parent toolkit with practical tips and checklists that can help you and your family on your autism journey.

  • Contact: For families with disabled children - Contact offers a range of services, advice and information for families with disabled children. Supporting families, bringing families together and helping families take action for others. 

You might also be interested in

group of young people sitting on chairs in a circle having a conversation

Addressing violence and abuse against children and young people

Children and young people are the most vulnerable members of our society, yet many continue to suffer in silence from various forms of violence and abuse.

This topic requires urgent attention and action from individuals and communities. By shedding light on this problem and working together to address it’s root causes, we can create safer environments where children and young people can thrive.

Violence and abuse against children and young people can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect.
News
people standing with a lighter image of them doing different exercise movements

What movement does for Dominic’s well-being

I’m Dominic and I’ve been working at Wandsworth Care Alliance as a Mental Health Project Manager since September 2022. Mental Health Awareness Week is on 13th -19th May and has a theme of movement so I wanted to speak about enhancing mental well-being through physical activity and connections.
News
group of young adults and one person is comforting another

Children and young people’s mental health

Mental health is an incredibly important topic. Encouraging children and young people to think about their mental health and wellbeing are vital skills you can teach them from a young age. As parents and carers, there are ways you can support children to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. It’s important to learn how to spot the signs when children are struggling and learn how to help them have good mental health. It is equally important to have good self-care tools as a parent/carer to look after your own mental health while caring for others.
News