Alternative Sources of Support
Online Clinical Psychology
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Dr Kathy Adcock - online - teenagers, parenting & parent-child work. Email: drkathyadcock@gmail.com
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Dr Aariya Rae - online - teenagers, parents & parenting, including neurodivergence. Email: aariyarae@gmail.com
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Dr Keren Smith - online - older teenagers & adults, including trauma/complex trauma:www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/keren-smith-london-eng/778256
Coaching
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Free NHS funded peer coaching for carers - a safe space to reflect on autistic wellbeing and family life. Peer guides provide practical guidance to navigate services and offer a listening ear, helping you feel heard and connected: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/one-one
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Sean Bennett, Coach & Writer (ICF certified training) - online - adults, young adults, neurodivergent friendly
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Careers coaching, life coaching & creativity/writing coaching
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Adult ADHD Coaching - Individual & Group
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Email: sean@definingchapter.com
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Educational Psychology (educational assessments & difficulties attending school)
Neurodivergence
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NHS Autism & ADHD assessments can be requested via your GP or school SENCo/Pastoral Care Lead. It may be quicker to go via the NHS 'Right to Choose' route. Please ask your GP or SENCo for more information.
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Autism Central Resources - information on a wide range of topics around autism & support that is available from Autism Central, partner organisations & other trusted sources: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/resources
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Autism Central Online Events - free online event for families of autistic people, including virtual meet-ups, education & reflective sessions & webinars. Delivered by the NHS Anna Freud Centre & are peer-led, co-produced & grounded in lived experience & research: www.autismcentral.nhs.uk/events
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www.adhduk.co.uk
Neuroaffirmative Webinars by Autistic and AuDHD Professionals:
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AUsome Training: www.ausometraining.com/anytime-autism-training/#recordedwebinars
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Autistic Parents UK: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/autistic-parents-uk-33262348917
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Prof. Tony Attwood & Dr Michelle Garnett, Clinical Psychologists: www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com
Low Cost Neuroaffirmative Webinars for Parents on Supporting Your Autistic Child/SEND:
Dr. Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist:
Free NHS Services
Your GP or school can refer you to free NHS:
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Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
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Community Paediatrics (for concerns around development)
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Speech & Language Therapy (SLT/SaLT; speech, language, communication, social relationships)
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Occupational Therapy (OT; sensory processing/sensitivities, co-ordination, daily living skills)
Your GP can also refer parents to NHS:
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Perinatal Mental Health Services (for parents with babies under the age of one)
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in Southwark, the Parental Mental Health Team (for parents with children under the age of five)
You can refer yourself to NHS:
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Adult Mental Health Services Talking Therapies
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Southwark: www.talkingtherapiessouthwark.nhs.uk
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Children's Centres/Family Hubs
Your local children's centre (up to the age of 5) or family hub (up to the age of 19 or 25 for those with additional needs) may be able to offer family support, parenting support and advice and access to specialist services
Parenting Programmes
Your local council will offer free evidence-based parenting programmes. Please refer to their website for details.
Southwark: www.southwark.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/parenting/parenting-support-programmes
School Support
Your child's school may also be able to offer support for emotional, social and mental health issues via their:
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SENCo, Inclusion or Pastoral Care Team which may include
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an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
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Most schools have some access to Educational Psychology
Some schools also have access to:
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Speech and Language Therapy
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Occupational Therapy
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NHS CAMHS Mental Health Schools Team (MHST) support for parents and young people
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
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Your local SENDIAS or IAS service can provide impartial advice and support. This includes information about Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP)
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Southwark's IAS service (SIAS): www.southwark.gov.uk/schools-and-education/information-for-parents/southwark-information-advice-and-support-team-sias
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IPSEA - a charity to support families navigating the SEND system: www.ipsea.org.uk
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Southwark Autism Support Team - an outreach team to support autistic children in early years and school settings:
Private Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists or Systemic Family Therapists:
Couples Counselling
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www.tavistockrelationships.org/therapeutic-help/relationship-counselling-service
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www.tavistockrelationships.org/counselling-psychotherapy/family-parenting
Separation and Divorce
Grief/Bereavement
Free Telephone and Email support
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Emotional support, advice and information for parents: www.familylives.org.uk
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For children and young people: www.childline.org.uk
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Counselling & advice for 13 years+: www.kooth.com
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Emotional support for adults: www.samaritans.org
Advice for Parents of Children up to Primary Age
For emergency support, contact your GP or attend A&E
24 hour NHS mental health helplines for each London boroughs (all ages):
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/