Autism Toolbox for parents and carers
Health and Autism
Information on health and support, and where to search for support services.
Support with your child's health
Our Health and SEND area has lots of information and support including:
- Who to speak to if you're concerned about your child
- Help for children with SEND and/or complex health needs
- Health conditions associated with SEND
- Help for parents/carers
Health and neurodiversity passports
A health passport provides important information about individuals with a learning disability and/or autism. This can include any medical conditions, medication, personal details, communication information and care and support requirements.
You can use the template to ensure the hospital has all the information they need to support your child if they need to go to hospital.
The Neurodiversity Passport has been designed to help neurodivergent people to communicate their needs to health professionals. It includes questions about sensory processing, and communication preferences, and asks what might make you feel anxious or overwhelmed and what they can do to support you.
While there are other forms of neurodivergence, the passport currently includes Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
Mental health (Autism)
Autism is not a mental health problem. It's a developmental condition that affects how you see the world and how you interact with other people.
Just like anyone else, autistic people can have good mental health. However, people with autism often experience mental health problems. According to Autistica, seven out of ten autistic people have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or OCD Autism and Mental Health | Signs & Symptoms of Autism | YoungMinds)
Mental health support
Below are some organisations that can help your child with their mental health.
Further mental health information and support can be found in our health mental health support for children with SEND area.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health Buckinghamshire CAMHS can offer advice.
Their website provides information on resources to support you and your child and details how to contact the service through their single point of access.
Brighter Futures runs innovative projects to help boost young people’s mental health and wellbeing.