Plain-English routes for parents. Free. This is not a diagnosis tool and does not say whether a child is autistic.
Observation record only — never a screener.
Nothing here scores your child or outputs a clinical verdict. Copy notes for a GP. Nothing is saved on this site.
Advice services
IPSEA — Advice Line
Bookable phone appointment
30-minute phone appointment booked online at ipsea.org.uk/advice-line. Slots released up to ten days in advance. Free independent legal advice on SEND.
Booking problems: bookings@ipsea.net or 01799 582 030
Every local authority in England must provide free impartial SENDIASS support. Search your council’s name plus SENDIASS for local contact details.
EHCP process (England)
Time for the LA to decide whether to assess: 6 weeks from the request
Time to final EHCP: 20 weeks from the original request
Time to appeal: 2 months from the decision letter (to the SEND Tribunal)
Mediation certificate required in most cases before appealing. LA must supply mediation adviser contact details with its decision.
Waiting lists, staff shortages and unresponsive professionals are NOT lawful grounds to exceed 20 weeks. Extensions apply only in narrow exceptions.
Money (2026/27)
Disability Living Allowance for children
Care weekly — lowest £30.30, middle £76.70, highest £114.60
Mobility weekly — lower £30.30, higher £80.00
Every 4 weeks, on a Tuesday
Under 16s. Not means-tested. Moves to PIP at 16.
Carer's Allowance
Weekly: £86.45
At least 35 hours a week caring for a child receiving the MIDDLE or HIGHEST rate DLA care component
Weekly payment if you care at least 35 hours a week for someone on the middle or highest DLA care component. Means-tested against your own earnings — check the current earnings limit on gov.uk.
Earnings limit not published here — verify current figure on gov.uk.
Observation notes for your GP (optional)
Write in your own words. Copy before you leave — we do not store it. Not a clinical assessment.
