Free autism resources for parents (UK)
Free UK autism resources for parents — sensory and communication guides, visual supports and practical tools from trusted charities and the NHS.
GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charitySensory differences guidance
Understanding sensory sensitivity and seeking in autistic children, with practical adjustments for home and school.
AutismSensory- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Meltdowns guidance
What meltdowns are, why they happen, and how to help before, during and after one.
AutismBehaviour 
GuideNHSNHSAutism information
Signs of autism, how to get a diagnosis, and support — what autism is and isn't.
AutismDiagnosis
ArticleAutisticaUK charityADHD and autism: the overlap explained
Research charity explainer on how autism and ADHD differ and overlap (AuDHD), the shared traits, and how often the two co-occur.
AutismADHDDiagnosis- GuideAutisticaUK charity
Anxiety and Autism Hub
Free hub of evidence-based webinars and resources on understanding and reducing anxiety in autistic children and young people.
AutismAnxiety & wellbeing - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Anxiety in Autistic People (guidance)
Free guidance on why autistic children feel anxious and practical strategies: anxiety diaries, visual schedules, sensory tools and relaxation.
AutismAnxiety & wellbeingSensory - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Autism and anger management: a guide for parents
Strategies for preventing and managing anger using traffic-light feelings scales, calm spaces and visual supports to help your child cope.
AutismBehaviourAnxiety & wellbeing 
ArticleBeyondAutismUK charityAutism and Sleep: Practical Strategies
Free guide on why autistic children struggle with sleep and practical strategies covering sleep diaries, bedtime routines and bedroom adjustments.
AutismSleepSensory
GuideCerebraUK charityAutism assessments and diagnosis in England (factsheet)
Free factsheet explaining the autism assessment pathway in England, why timely diagnosis matters and what to do if you face long delays.
AutismDiagnosis
ArticleAmbitious about AutismUK charityAutism-Friendly Attractions & Days Out
Youth-network roundup of autism and sensory friendly UK attractions, museums, theme parks and relaxed screenings with quiet sessions.
SensoryAutism- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Autism-Friendly Cinema: A Guide for Families
Guide to relaxed, autism-friendly cinema screenings across the UK (lights up, lower volume, freedom to move) plus tips for planning a visit.
SensoryAutism - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Autistic women and girls
Why autism often looks different and is missed in girls and women, covering masking, social presentation and the diagnostic gap that delays support.
AutismDiagnosis - AppAutisticaUK charity
Autistica Tips Hub app
Free iOS/Android app of evidence-based, autistic-led tips covering diagnosis, wellbeing and everyday life, designed by and for the autistic community.
AutismDiagnosisAnxiety & wellbeing 
TemplateWidgitOrganisationBack to School Teacher Toolkit (50+ pages of symbols)
Free 50+ page PDF of visual timetables, reward charts and wellbeing supports to help non-readers settle back into school after the summer break.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions
AppCboard (UNICEF-supported)UK charityCboard: Free AAC Communication App
Free open-source AAC web and mobile app giving non-verbal children a voice through picture symbols and text-to-speech, supported by UNICEF.
Speech & communicationAutism- DirectoryCerebraUK charity
Cerebra Free Toy & Sensory Library
Free UK postal lending library of sensory and switch toys plus books for families caring for a child with a brain condition.
SensoryAutism - DirectoryCerebraUK charity
Cerebra parent guides library
Free, downloadable evidence-based parent guides on autism, behaviour, sleep, anxiety and legal rights for families of children with brain conditions.
AutismBehaviourSleep - TemplateCerebraUK charity
Cerebra Sleep Cards (visual supports)
Free printable visual sleep cards to support a calm, predictable bedtime routine for children with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
SleepAutismSpeech & communication 
TemplateCALL Scotland (University of Edinburgh)Research bodyCommunication Passport Templates
Free passport templates (PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva, Book Creator) so a child who can't easily speak for themselves can share key info at transitions.
Speech & communicationTransitionsAutism- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Dealing with Change (autism)
Free guidance on why change is hard for autistic people and practical strategies (countdowns, plan B/C, preparation) useful for transitions.
AutismTransitionsAnxiety & wellbeing - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Distressed behaviour: a guide for all audiences
Explains behaviour as communication, how to use a behaviour diary to spot triggers, and how to understand the function behind distressed behaviour.
AutismBehaviourSpeech & communication - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
EHCP Annual Review (incl. Preparing for Adulthood)
Free guide to how EHCP annual reviews work, including the Year 9 onwards focus on preparing for adulthood and phase-transfer deadlines.
EHCPs & SEN supportTransitionsSchool & EBSA 
TemplateMiddletown Centre for AutismUK charityEmotion Thermometer printable
Free printable emotion thermometer to help an autistic child rate and communicate how they feel and link feelings to calming strategies.
AutismAnxiety & wellbeingBehaviour
DirectoryEuan's GuideUK charityEuan's Guide: Disabled Access Reviews
Free UK directory of disabled-access reviews of venues and days out, written by families, useful for finding sensory and quiet-friendly places.
SensoryAutism- TemplateWidgitOrganisation
Free Communication Aid Templates
Free downloadable symbol-based communication aid templates (communication fans, GoTalk and device overlays) from a UK symbol-software company.
Speech & communicationAutism 
TemplateHigh Speed TrainingOrganisationFree Feelings Scale / Chart for Autistic Children
Free editable feelings-rating chart using numbers, colours or faces to help an autistic child show how they feel and build emotional awareness.
AutismSpeech & communicationAnxiety & wellbeing
DirectoryThe Makaton CharityUK charityFree Makaton Sign Library (Free Membership)
Free Makaton membership giving access to Sign of the Week, song sheets and downloadable signs and symbols each month from the official charity.
Speech & communicationAutism
TemplatePECS United Kingdom (Pyramid Educational Consultants)OrganisationFree PECS symbols and parent materials
Free downloadable PECS picture grids, home visual schedules, communication guides and skills checklists from the official UK PECS provider.
AutismSpeech & communication
ToolSEN TeacherOrganisationFree Picture Exchange (PECS) Card Maker
A free printable tool to make and customise picture-exchange cards from a library of 15,000 Creative Commons symbols (Mulberry, ARASAAC, Tawasol).
Speech & communicationAutism
TemplateNHS Borders Children's OT ServiceNHSFree Printable Visual Supports (Now and Next, Routines)
Free printable NHS visual supports including Now/Next/Then boards, night and getting-ready routine sequences for home use.
AutismSpeech & communicationSleep
TemplateMy NeurodiversityUK charityFree Social Stories Library (incl. 'I am Starting School')
Free printable social stories for neurodivergent children, including 'I am Starting School' and 'I Can Cope with Change' to ease transitions.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions
TemplateSymbols for All (CALL Scotland, University of Edinburgh)Research bodyFree Symbol Communication Resources & Chat Boards
Free printable symbol-supported communication boards and curricular resources from CALL Scotland at the University of Edinburgh.
Speech & communicationAutismSchool & EBSA- DirectoryNHSNHS
Help and support for autistic people and their families
NHS hub signposting free UK support for parents of autistic children: GP and local autism teams, councils, schools, and national charities.
AutismDiagnosisBenefits & money - HelplineNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Help and support (Parent to Parent service & directory)
NAS support hub with the Parent to Parent emotional support line (trained parent volunteers) and the UK-wide Autism Services Directory for local help.
AutismDiagnosisSchool & EBSA - GuideNHSNHS
How to get an autism assessment
NHS guidance on speaking to your GP to get referred for an autism assessment for a child or adult, including choosing your NHS service in England.
AutismDiagnosis 
GuideAutism AngliaUK charityHow to Help Your Autistic Child Sleep Better
Free guide on autistic children's sleep covering early waking, blackout curtains, white noise and calming bedroom set-up, from a UK autism charity.
AutismSleepSensory
GuideAutism Central (NHS)NHSHow to Prepare for Secondary School (autism)
Free NHS-commissioned guidance on the primary-to-secondary move for autistic children: visits, social stories, route practice and sensory tips.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
How to request an autism assessment (what to say to your GP)
Step-by-step guide on asking a GP for an autism referral, what to take to the appointment, and the pathways across England, Wales, Scotland and NI.
AutismDiagnosis - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Leaving School & Transition to Adulthood (autism)
Free guidance on planning life after secondary school: college, work, apprenticeships, EHCP to 25 and a Year 9-11 transition timeline.
AutismTransitionsEHCPs & SEN support 
ChecklistM-CHAT (mchatscreen.com)Research bodyM-CHAT-R/F toddler autism screening questionnaire
The free, validated 20-question M-CHAT-R/F autism screening tool for toddlers aged 16-30 months, with scoring and next-step guidance.
AutismDiagnosis
TemplateNSPCCUK charityMakaton PANTS Prompt Cards (Printable Symbols)
Free printable PDF of 35 Makaton symbol and sign prompt cards to support the Talk PANTS safety message with non-verbal children.
Speech & communicationAutism- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Meltdowns - a guide for all audiences
NAS guide explaining what an autistic meltdown is, how it differs from a tantrum, common triggers, and practical ways to help and prevent them.
AutismBehaviourSensory - GuideAmbitious about AutismUK charity
Meltdowns and shutdowns explained
Charity guide on why a meltdown is distress not a tantrum, what a shutdown is, plus triggers, sensory changes and recovery strategies.
AutismBehaviourSensory - AppAutisticaUK charity
Molehill Mountain: Free Anxiety App for Autistic People
Free app co-owned with King's College London helping autistic people track worries and learn autism-adapted CBT techniques to manage anxiety.
AutismAnxiety & wellbeing 
TemplateLeeds MencapUK charityMy Bedtime: A Social Story
Free printable bedtime social story PDF that walks a child through each step of going to bed, supporting understanding and reducing bedtime anxiety.
AutismSleepSpeech & communication- HelplineNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
NAS Transition Support Helpline
Free helpline (0808 800 0027) giving autistic young people and families advice on the move from school, college or university to adult life.
AutismTransitionsEHCPs & SEN support 
GuideNottinghamshire Children's TrustGovernmentNICE Guidance on ASD Signs and Symptoms (0-19)
Printable PDF based on NICE guidance setting out autism signs and symptoms by area and age (0-19) to help parents spot early indicators.
AutismDiagnosis- TemplateBeyondAutismUK charity
Now and Next Board (free printable)
Free printable Now and Next board to help autistic children understand what is happening now and what comes next, useful for bedtime transitions.
AutismSpeech & communicationSleep 
TemplateThe Autism PageOrganisationNow and Next Board free printable
Free printable now-and-next board template from a UK autism-parent site, with a clear guide on how to introduce and use it with your child.
AutismSpeech & communicationBehaviour- TemplateLeeds MencapUK charity
Now & Next Boards and Communication Card Packs
Free downloadable now-and-next board plus communication card packs for bedtime, food, medical and activities, from a UK learning-disability charity.
Speech & communicationAutismSensory 
GuidePDA SocietyUK charityPANDA: helpful approaches for PDA (infographic)
Free guide and downloadable PANDA infographic: prioritise, manage anxiety, negotiate, disguise demands and adapt to lower demand avoidance.
AutismBehaviourAnxiety & wellbeing
GuideAutism Toolbox (Education Scotland)GovernmentPrimary 7 to Secondary School Transition (Autism Toolbox)
Free transition guidance and templates: colour-coded timetables, school maps, transition plans, social stories and 'what if' prompt cards.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions- VideoAmbitious about AutismUK charity
Quality of Life at Home Toolkit (animated films)
Five free animated films for parents using the iceberg model to understand behaviour as communication and reduce family conflict at home.
AutismBehaviourSpeech & communication - ChecklistAmbitious about AutismUK charity
Right from the Start parent toolkit
Free toolkit with printable checklists for the early autism journey, including a GP appointment checklist and one-page profile (last updated 2020).
AutismDiagnosisSchool & EBSA - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Sensory Differences in Autism
Clear guide to hyper- and hypo-sensitivity across all the senses, explaining sensory seeking vs avoiding and how to reduce sensory overload.
SensoryAutism - GuideCerebraUK charity
Sensory Processing: A Guide for Parents
Free parent guide explaining sensory processing, the eight senses, seeking vs avoiding, assessment and practical strategies to try at home.
SensoryAutismBehaviour - GuideCerebraUK charity
Sensory Processing: A Guide for Parents
Free Cerebra parent guide explaining sensory over- and under-reactivity and sensory seeking, with practical strategies to build a sensory plan at home.
AutismSensoryBehaviour - ChecklistNHSNHS
Signs of autism in children
Official NHS list of autism signs in younger and older children, grouped by communication, play and sensory, plus how signs differ in girls.
AutismDiagnosis - ChecklistNHSNHS
Signs of autism in children
NHS plain-English list of early autism signs in children, grouped by communication, behaviour and sensory differences, with what to do next.
AutismDiagnosis - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Signs that a child or adult may be autistic
Plain-English rundown of autism signs across communication, behaviour, routines and sensory differences, with notes on how presentation varies.
AutismDiagnosis - GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Sleep: A Guide for Parents and Families
Free NAS guide on autistic children's sleep: visual routines, bedroom environment, light and noise, melatonin and support for parents.
AutismSleepSensory - GuideCerebraUK charity
Sleep Advice Service
Free one-to-one sleep support for families of children with brain conditions, plus downloadable sleep tips booklet and guides for autism and ADHD.
SleepAutismADHD 
ChecklistThe Sleep CharityUK charitySleep Charity Advice Sheets (bedtime routine, bedroom, SEND)
Free downloadable advice sheets: good bedtime routine, ideal bedroom environment, night terrors and SEND, in colour and print-friendly versions.
SleepAutismSensory
TemplateSheffield Children's NHS Foundation TrustNHSSocial Stories library (editable & printable)
Free editable Word/PowerPoint and PDF social stories plus Widgit-symbol communication boards, with tips on adapting stories for your child.
AutismSpeech & communicationSchool & EBSA- GuideNational Autistic SocietyUK charity
Starting or switching school: autism transition advice
Free practical guide for parents of autistic children on preparing for a new school: visits, visual supports, SENCO contact and phased starts.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions - TemplateBeyondAutismUK charity
Starting School Resource Pack (Autism)
Free downloadable pack with pupil profiles, person-centred planning tools and visual timetables to help autistic children settle into starting school.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions 
AppUniversity of BathResearch bodyStories Online For Autism (SOFA) app
Free research-backed app from the University of Bath to create and share personalised social stories using photos and words for autistic children.
AutismSpeech & communicationAnxiety & wellbeing- GuideAmbitious about AutismUK charity
Support for families
Free parent-carer support from a UK autism charity: the Talk about Autism online community and a parent toolkit covering diagnosis and supporting under-5s.
AutismDiagnosisSchool & EBSA 
TemplateIPSEAUK charityTemplate letters for families of children with SEND
Free index of IPSEA model letters covering every EHCP stage - requesting assessment, responding to draft plans, re-assessment and more (England SEND law).
AutismEHCPs & SEN supportSchool & EBSA- TemplateWidgitOrganisation
Transition Pack (editable symbol resources)
Free editable symbol-supported pack: social stories, photobooks, checklists and profiles for starting school, changing class and moving to secondary.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions - ChecklistAutism Central (NHS)NHS
Transition to primary school checklist
Free NHS-backed step-by-step checklist for parents preparing an autistic child to start primary school: pre-visits, picture books and journey practice.
AutismSchool & EBSATransitions 
GuideCambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Children's HealthNHSUnderstanding the causes of behaviour (the iceberg)
NHS explainer using the iceberg model: visible behaviour is only the tip; learn to look at cause, behaviour and function to understand your child.
AutismBehaviourSpeech & communication
GuideEast Sussex Healthcare NHS TrustNHSVisual Supports (printable guide)
Free NHS PDF explaining how to make and use visual supports such as visual timetables, now-and-next boards and symbol cards at home.
AutismSpeech & communication- TemplateAutism Toolbox (Education Scotland)Government
Visual timetable, now & next and transition templates
Free downloadable templates: primary visual timetables, large and small now-and-next boards, plus nursery-to-school transition checklists.
AutismSpeech & communicationTransitions 
ArticleChildren's Commissioner for EnglandGovernmentWaiting times for autism, ADHD and neurodevelopmental assessments
Official report with data on how long children wait for autism and ADHD assessments in England, useful when chasing or escalating a referral.
ADHDAutismDiagnosis- GuideCerebraUK charity
Weighted Blankets for Sleep Difficulties: Factsheet
Free evidence-based factsheet summarising research and safety around weighted blankets for sleep in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
SleepAutismSensory - TemplateHigh Speed TrainingOrganisation
What is a Now and Next Board? (Free Template)
Free downloadable Now and Next board template plus a clear how-to guide explaining how the board reduces anxiety around transitions for autistic children.
AutismSpeech & communicationTransitions 
GuideJust One Norfolk (NHS)NHSZones of Regulation: Feelings & Calming Activities
Free NHS page explaining the colour-coded Zones of Regulation, with a printable and focus, movement and calming sensory activities for children.
AutismAnxiety & wellbeingSensory
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