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.
     

    020 8871 5690

    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. 

  • Wandsworth CAMHS Under 5s Therapy Service - A free early intevention service. Team of clinicians who are experienced in working with children under 5 years old. We aim to support health emotional and social development in children.

    020 3513 4644

  • Beyond Autism Early Years Service - Empowering parents and carers to build the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to support their children in developing communication and language. The service offers a flexible approach, with attendance designed to fit around the timetable of each family.
  • 020 3031 9703
  • Email: earlyyears@beyondautism.org.uk
  • Little Village - Via our network of baby banks we pass on loved goods from one family to another –clothes, toys and equipment – so that many more babies and young children have the essential things they need to thrive.  

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