Guides meet practical tools
Find what helps today.
Browse guides, free tools and printable templates together. Pick a need or stage, or type the question on your mind.
Want a shorter route? Try a guided parent path.
General guidance may still depend on local rules. England-only guides are hidden when you choose “Outside England”.
12 useful starting points
- GuideAssessment
Signs of Autism in Children: What Parents Should Watch For
Plain-language guide to the early signs of autism in babies, toddlers and older children — what to look for, what's typical, and what to do next.
Open resource - GuideAssessment
On the Autism Assessment Waiting List? What to Do While You Wait
Waiting for an autism assessment is hard. What you can do right now to support your child, how to weigh private assessment, and how to look after yourself while you wait.
Open resource - GuideCommunication
AAC for autistic children: a parent’s guide
Understand AAC for autistic children: picture cards, communication boards and speech devices, how to start, and what to ask a speech and language therapist.
Open resource - TemplateCommunication
First words (core)
The most useful starting words — yes, no, more, help, stop, all done.
Open resource - GuideDaily life
Autism Meltdowns: What Helps (A Calm Guide for Parents)
What an autism meltdown is, how it differs from a tantrum, what to do during one, and how to prevent meltdowns — practical, calm advice for parents.
Open resource - ToolDaily life
Visual schedules
First-then & daily routines
Open resource - GuideSchoolEngland only
EHCP for an Autistic Child: How to Apply (England)
How to apply for an EHCP for your autistic child in England: requesting an assessment, the 20-week timeline, and what to do if the council says no.
Open resource - ToolSchool
School meeting notes
Prep a support-plan meeting: asks, evidence, what was agreed
Open resource - GuideSchoolEngland only
Changing your child's name: school, EHCP and NHS records
How to update a child's name on school, EHCP and NHS records in England. Check parental responsibility, deed poll options and who to contact.
Open resource - ToolSchool
About my child
One-page profile for school, sitters and new staff
Open resource - GuideDaily life
Autistic Child Won't Sleep? A Calm Guide to Autism and Sleep Problems
Why many autistic children struggle to sleep, plus practical, evidence-based help: bedtime routines, sensory and light fixes, night waking, early waking, and when to ask about melatonin.
Open resource - TemplateDaily life
First–Then board
First the task, then the reward — great for motivation and transitions.
Open resource