Support and information up to 25 years
Social Media
Local Facebook groups
Social Media – It is important to note that some social media forum comments are based on personal experience and should not be taken as advice that would help you or your child.
Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland
This is a parent carer led support charity. They say: “We are a friendly bunch, and we support each other through the good times and the bad.
Carlisle Autism Support
This is a parent carer led support group. The aim of this group Is to discuss issues relating to autistic children, who may or may not have been diagnosed and to offer support.
Cumbria Autism and Special Needs Support Group
This support group was specifically set up for parents and carers of people on the autistic spectrum and special needs. The group is run by two mums who have children with autism. The group offers education, support, information and advice.
Furness Parents and Carers Disability Forum
A forum to share information and ideas relating to children and young people in the Furness area with disabilities and/or additional needs aged 0-25 years. A good source of information on leisure activities, health, education and social care.
SHOUT Parent Support Group Maryport
This is a parent carer led group. Shout Parent Support Group is based in Maryport. They Provide support and advice for families of children with or without diagnosis. They also Signpost families to services relevant to them. This group is a good source of information from other parent carers who have children with SEND. Check out the Facebook page for event details month by month.
Special Needs Parents South Lakes
This is a parent carer led Facebook support group. The group was set up by a parent who has a child with SEND, their aim is to prevent loneliness and isolation, help get support through Diagnosis, EHCP process, day to day life and more.
National Facebook Groups
Autism and Sensory Processing Support UK
This is a private parent carer led Facebook group. It has been set up by two parents who both have neurodivergent children and sensory processing disorder.
Autism Friendly UK
This is a private parent carer and Autistic led group. The Group has a wide and diverse community across ages and across needs of autistic people. All members must be a UK resident, and either autistic and are/or parents, carers of autistic people, professionals are also welcome.
Autism Inclusivity
This is an Autistic-led group for parents and caregivers of Autistic people. it enables parent carers to ask questions to Autistic adults. Parents and caregivers can go to this group to hear perspectives, insights and feedback from Autistic members - and as such this group respectfully centres upon Autistic voices.
Autism Parents Support Group
A team of experienced Doctors have come together to help parents dealing with Autism and to solve their doubts and queries.
UK Sensory Processing Disorder Support
The intention of this group is to offer support to both parent/carer(s) and to adults who have been/in the process of being diagnosed with SPD. They aim to offer support throughout and share information amongst each other.
Financial support
Financial support for children
The National Autistic Society provide useful information on a range of benefits for autistic children.
They provide details of how to apply and how to challenge benefits decisions
Gingerbread is an organisation that has a website and helpline on benefits for lone parents.
Citizen’s Advice can also help support you with any benefits you may be entitled to and have a useful benefits calculator.
DLA for children, advice and support - Facebook UK group for claimants of the DLA benefit for children. They provide support and advice for each other. The group can offer advice and support on other Social Security Benefits too and perhaps any other tips and advice not related to finances and claiming benefits, anything related to making life easier for your child and your family.
Financial support for adults
National Autistic Society - Benefits for autistic adults;
Citizen's Advice can also help support you with any benefits you may be entitled to and have a useful benefits calculator.
Support groups and national websites
Local support groups
Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland
This is a parent carer led support charity. They say: “We are a friendly bunch, and we support each other through the good times and the bad. This is where you can off load, without feeling you are being judged, get tips and ideas from other parents in a similar situation.” The group meet every 3 weeks. See their website or Facebook page for details.
Carlisle Autism Support Group
This is a parent carer led support group. The group is for parent/carers in Carlisle. They have a monthly coffee morning on the second Monday of the month. The aim of this group Is to discuss issues relating to autistic children, who may or may not have been diagnosed, and related conditions.
Kendal Family Drop-in Centre
This is a parent carer led group. Kendal Family Drop-in Centre offers support for all families with children with special needs in Kendal and the surrounding area. The centre has a new sensory area, toys, changing facilities, tea, coffee and juice and fantastic support. The drop-in centre is fully accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. It's located in Kendal town centre behind Stricklandgate House.
Cumbria Family Support Charity
Cumbria Family Support (CFS) helps families with children in Cumbria to get through difficult times. Their staff and trained volunteers provide support to families in their own homes until their difficulties have passed. CFS provide contact centres in Carlisle, Penrith and Kendal. They can provide help with a range of family issues.
SHINE for Autism
SHINE for Autism is a community led charity driven by dedicated local parents, carers and professionals. Their main aim is to create an autism friendly community by developing knowledge and understanding of autism, leading to unconditional acceptance and integration in the community.
Clinical Partners: Autism Unlocked
Expert advice from autistic individuals & leading clinicians. A dedicated space for autistic people and their families to hear unique insights and guidance on a range of issues. Hear from autistic people with real experiences and learn tested strategies from leading clinicians
Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Digital Support Guide
A pathway developed to help parent/carers (and young people themselves) understand what they might be seeing and feeling and who can help.
0 to 19 Child and Family Support Service - Family Action
This service offers information and advice sessions, online information, advice and support, signposting and much more.
Owl Blue
Professional advice and guidance that will enable you to confidently self-help and understand those around you with hidden disabilities. Owl Blue is a not-for-profit organisation, based in West Cumbria.
Owl Blue work with the families of people with hidden disabilities and those who share their lives. These hidden disabilities include Autism and co-occurring conditions such as learning disabilities and mental health problems, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), ADHD and the Deaf.
SENDIASS – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Information, Advice and Support Service
SENDIASS offer impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and or disabilities and their parents and carers.
National websites
Ambitious About Autism
Ambitious about Autism website provides a wealth of information and advice. Sections include understanding autism, education, behaviour, preparing for adulthood and health and wellbeing. They stand with autistic children and young people, to champion their rights and create opportunities.
National Autistic Society (NAS)
The National Autistic Society (NAS) are a leading charity for autistic people and their families of all ages. NAS have been providing support, guidance and advice about autism since 1962. Their website provides a vast amount of information about all aspects of autism.
NAS offer:
NHS England
NHS England offer some useful autism resources and training.