Suport Groups
Key Terms and Phrases
Autism Central
For families and support networks of autistic people
Family education, community events, peer support, community events and coaching
Have a podcast focusing on real stories and honest conversations
Available support networks of autistic people ALL ages
Plymouth Parent Carer Voice
Parent-led forum in contact with local services
Helps parents understand rights and local services
Good for peer support + advocacy (gives parents a voice)
Friends and Families of Special Children
Activities, family days and parent support groups of children living with a disability
Lending library + disability advice
Workshops + advice/wellbeing
South West Autism Support Services
Activities + development programmes for young people
Support for families navigating autism
Also work in schools and colleges
Neurodiversity Navigators
(Devon – excluding Plymouth)
Help families on waiting lists or newly diagnosed/known to CAHMS. For children with concurrent mental health needs and tics/Tourette’s syndrome
They can support with:
- Forms (DLA, EHCP), school issues, behaviour and sleep strategies
- A team of medical and non-medical professionals that can act as a guide through the system.
Devon Information Advice and Support
They are a service that can provide information, support and advice about SEND.
Happy for people to contact them for any SEND issue, including health and social enquiries.
They are open to children, young people and parent/carers who have a child with SEND with or without a diagnosis.
Bud Club
(Plymouth Only)
Free family sessions for children with neurodevelopmental needs
Relaxed environment for children to try new activities
Ran out of Seymour House
Family Hubs
Drop-in support services in person and online
Available across all of Plymouth and Devon
Runs activities, events and parenting programmes
For age up to 19 years (up to 25 with SEND)