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MAIN is here to support you beyond diagnosis.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, looking for social opportunities, wanting to develop independence or simply looking for people who understand, MAIN has a community waiting for you.
3 Simple Steps After an Autism or Neurodivergence Diagnosis
How MAIN Can Support You
An autism diagnosis can bring relief, questions, uncertainty and a new understanding of yourself and / or your child. It can also be the beginning of discovering what support, environments and approaches work best for you.
At MAIN, we believe autism is part of who you are. We support autistic and neurodivergent people to understand themselves, connect with others and build a positive future.
Step 1: Understand Yourself
Discover what autism means for you.
Everyone experiences autism differently. A diagnosis can help you, or your child to understand your strengths, needs, communication style, sensory differences and what helps you feel comfortable and confident.
MAIN can provide information, guidance and opportunities for support to help you better understand yourself and find what works for you.
Acceptance. Understanding. Being yourself.
Step 2: Find Your People
Connect, belong and be yourself.
You don’t have to navigate life after diagnosis alone. MAIN offers a range of activities, groups and opportunities to connect with other autistic and neurodivergent people.
This may include social groups, gaming, arts and crafts, sports, trips and other activities where you can meet people, explore interests and develop friendships in a welcoming environment.
Find your community. Make connections. Feel understood.
Step 3: Build your Future
Develop confidence, independence and new opportunities.
A diagnosis does not define what you can achieve. With the right support, you can develop confidence, independence and skills at your own pace.
MAIN offers a range of support, which may include transition support, independence skills, adult services, activities and community-based support, helping you navigate change and work towards your goals.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, looking to meet people, explore new interests, develop independence or simply connect with people who understand, MAIN is here to help.
Need guidance or advice? Contact MAIN
3 Simple Steps to getting Social Care Support After an Autism or Neurodivergence Diagnosis
A new diagnosis can help families better understand their child’s needs and may highlight areas where additional support is required. You do not need to wait until you are in crisis before asking for support.
You may wish to contact Social Care if:
- Your child’s support needs have become clearer following diagnosis.
- You are struggling to manage the level of care your child requires.
- Your child needs significant support with everyday activities.
- You have limited or no family or informal support.
- Caring responsibilities are affecting your wellbeing or ability to cope.
- You feel your family would benefit from additional support, respite or short breaks.
Step 1: Contact SEN Social Care
If you feel your family needs additional support, contact SEN Social Care and explain your circumstances.
You can ask about a Child & Family Assessment and/or Social Work Assessment and explain:
- Your child’s diagnosis and current needs
- The support your child requires day-to-day
- What you are finding difficult
- The impact on you and your family
- What support you currently have available
- What additional support you feel would help
Focus on your child’s needs and the impact on family life, rather than the diagnosis alone.
Step 2: Complete an Assessment
SEN Social Care will consider the information provided and, where appropriate, arrange an assessment to understand the needs of your child and family.
The assessment may consider:
- Your child’s additional needs and level of independence
- Communication, personal care and daily living needs
- Behaviour, emotional or sensory needs where relevant
- The level of supervision and support required
- The impact of caring responsibilities on parents/carers
- Your family’s support network
- Support and services already available
- What additional support may be appropriate
Be open about both the good days and the difficult days. Explain what your child can do, but also the level of support they need to do it.
Step 3: Discuss What Support May Help
Following the assessment, SEN Social Care will consider what support may be appropriate based on the assessed needs of your child and family.
Depending on the assessment, this may include:
- Short breaks or overnight respite
- Support to access activities
- Support for parents/carers
- Referrals or signposting to other services
- Community-based support
- Other services identified as appropriate
If support is not agreed, you can ask Social Care to explain the decision, what needs were identified and what other support may be available.
Key Message
A diagnosis does not automatically mean that Social Care support will be provided. Support is considered based on the individual needs of the child and the impact on the family.
If your child’s needs or family circumstances change, you can ask for your situation to be reviewed or reassessed.
Need guidance or advice? Contact MAIN
3 Steps After to Request Overnight Respite Care
Overnight respite can provide valuable support to families who are finding caring responsibilities difficult to manage. Support is considered based on the individual needs of the child and family and is not automatically available.
Step 1: Contact SEN Social Care
If you feel overnight respite may be needed, contact SEN Social Care and request an assessment of your child’s and family’s support needs.
When speaking with Social Care, explain:
- Your child’s current needs and level of care required
- The impact of caring responsibilities on your family
- What support you currently have available
- Why you feel overnight respite would be beneficial
- Any changes in your family circumstances
Providing a clear picture of your circumstances will help Social Care understand your family’s needs.
Step 2: Assessment of Need
SEN Social Care will consider the individual circumstances and assessed needs of the child and family.
This may include:
- Your child’s care and support needs
- Any additional or complex needs
- The impact on family life and the parent/carer’s wellbeing
- Existing support available from family or other services
- Whether overnight respite is an appropriate way to meet the identified needs
Requesting overnight respite does not automatically mean that it will be agreed
Step 3: If Support is Not Agreed
If overnight respite is not agreed, ask SEN Social Care to explain the decision and what support needs have been identified.
You can ask:
- What was the decision based on?
- What needs were identified through the assessment?
- Is alternative support available?
- What would need to change for the request to be reconsidered?
- Can the decision be reviewed if circumstances or needs change?
If you need guidance or support to understand the process, discuss your options or prepare for conversations with Social Care, contact MAIN
Key Message
Overnight respite is considered according to the assessed needs of the child and family. If your circumstances or your child’s needs change, you can ask SEN Social Care for the situation to be reviewed or reassessed.
Need guidance or advice? Contact MAIN
FOR MORE 3-STEP TIPS, VISIT OUR RESOURCE CENTRE.
Find out how MAIN can help your young person
Call 01642 608012 today or e-mail info@iammain.org.uk
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