News: World Autism Awareness Week 2025 – List of resources
World Autism Awareness Week 2025
Our Autism acceptance week video HERE
SERVICES
North East Autism Society – https://www.ne-as.org.uk/
Are a North East charity which services include training for parents / carers , support groups, toddler groups, education for children aged 3-19, post 19 education and social/vocational training along with supported and open employment opportunities for adults. They provide year round residential placements and an ever-increasing range of social and leisure opportunities within the North East community for people of all age.
Daisy Chain – https://daisychainproject.co.uk/ / https://daisychainproject.co.uk/?s=durham
Award-winning local charity supporting autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults and their families.
Autism Central – https://daisychainproject.co.uk/autism-central
Daisy Chain are the Regional Hub for North East and Yorkshire for Autism Central. This is a new programme designed and developed to deliver high-quality and accessible autism information, education and coaching for families, parents, carers, and personal assistants. Autism Central has been commissioned by NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education Team and is delivered by nine not-for-profit organisations.
Little Treasures – https://www.littletreasures.org.uk/
Are a parent-led charity that supports families and their children who have autism or are going through assessment right across Co. Durham and surrounding areas. They run stay-and-play sessions, adult groups ( together with Autie Mates) , parent support groups and run courses and workshops. They also have a closed support group Facebook page for help and advice.
National Autism Society – https://www.autism.org.uk/
Are a national charity providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.
MAIN – iammain.org.uk/
Neurodevelopmental Diagnosis Pathway
The new needs led pathway for ADHD and Autism diagnosis from age 5-18. A panel will decide, based on the child / young persons referral form ; whether they will be put on to the pathway or not. Referral form here.
Diagnosis Pathway for under 5’s
For under 5’s, parents/carers will need to request that their child be referred to a Community Paediatrician via their GP or their Health Visitor.
County Durham Neurodevelopmental Needs Led Support website
This website is a guide for families in County Durham with children and young people who may have needs associated with neurodiversity and was done in partnership with MCT. Parents and carers have told us which information they think would be most useful to share, so please use the toggles to open and close the sections that you’re interested in.
CAMHS single point of access.
CAMHS Crisis team
Call 111 and choose option 2. Available 24/7.
Waves Parent Support Group
NEW! If you care for a child or young person (0-25yrs) with emotional or mental health difficulties, pop in to their support groups once a month in Durham, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee & Darlington. Email – tewv.waves@nhs.net for more info.
Durham Autism Hub
Info HERE.
IPSEA
Offer free & independent legally based educational information , advice & support plus training on subject like EHC plans. Telephone: 01799 582030
Durham SENDIASS (Durham Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service)
SENDIASS offer independent advice and support with any issues with regards to your young persons school and / or education. Telephone: 03000 267007 or email sendiass@durham.gov.uk
SEND Empowering Inclusive Communities ( SENDEIC)
Being a parent carer can be difficult, and you may need some time to help you cope with family life. Short breaks are designed to help you have a break from your caring responsibilities. SENDEIC (The Durham County Council Short Breaks central point of contact ) can help Advice, signpost and enabling access for your child or young person , regardless of any additional needs if you are struggling to find anything suitable or experiencing any barriers in order for you to get a break if you don’t already. Website HERE. Telephone: 0300 0260270 or email sendeic@durham.gov.uk
Durham Local offer
Local information on education, short breaks, health, social care, things to do, childcare, careers and training and much more for families of young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), from 0- 25 year old within County Durham. Telephone: 03000 269995
Durham County Carers Support
A charity supporting unpaid carers 18 years+ in County Durham. They can help with information and advice, with accessing and completing benefit and grant forms, carer breaks , carers card, carer support groups, counselling, training and give you a chance to have your say. You DO NOT need to be getting disability benefits or carers allowance to register. Telephone: 0300 005 1213
More useful inks and support groups HERE
Regular groups, activities & sensory rooms for young people and families HERE
Posted on: 31st March 2025