Family and Children Quick Reference Guide: Norfolk
Our Quick Reference Guides are away to find specific signposting and support based on your area.
This information sheet is for families who are worried about autism/ADHD/additional needs. The services below are here to support you on your journey. Please reach out to them for help. Although a clinical assessment for neurodevelopmental differences such as autism or ADHD is helpful for some families, a diagnosis is not required to access SEN support. It is important to remember that having a name for your child’s condition does not change who they are.
It is helpful to think about what goals you and your child are aiming for so that you can access the support available to help achieve these goals.
General advice and support
- Just One Norfolk is the ‘go to’ health website for Norfolk families and includes a range of information and support for families to access. Telephone 0300 300 0123.
- Ambitious About Autism guide to autism in the early years provides guidance and practical support about autism for families of children under 5 years old.
Support for my child/ young person in school
- Speak to your child’s school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
- Review the SEND (special educational need and/or disability) Local Offer information.
- Look at the advice pack developed for schools and professionals
Support for myself and my family
- Norfolk SENDIASS offer free impartial advice about SEND.
- Positive Behaviour Strategies (PBS) online course offers some practical strategies
- Family Voice Norfolk parent carer forum
- Norfolk and Norwich SEND association (nansa) provides support and activities
- Recovery College provides free online training about autism for adults
- ASD Helping Hands provides workshops, activity days and residential breaks
- Autism Anglia Norfolk Support Groups provides links to support and activity groups
- Carers Matter Norfolk Parent Carer Service offers practical support for parent carers.
- Autism Central provides resources, online drop in and support for families.
- ADHD Foundation resources for families.
- PDA Society pathological demand avoidance resources for families.
Support for my child with sleep difficulties
- NANSA sleep service for families of children with SEND experiencing sleep difficulties.
Support for my child/ young person with mental health difficulties
- Just One Number All requests for mental health support for 0-25 years across Norfolk & Waveney (excluding crisis) are processed by Just One Number. Referrals can be made online by the parent/carer or by the child or young person
- Discovery College offers free online courses on mental health topics for 16 – 25 year olds
- This May Help – advice for supporting your child’s mental health.
- Childline – call 0800 1111.
- Papyrus – UK charity specialising in prevention of young suicide
- Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Support for my child/young person in mental health crisis
- NHS 111 Mental Health Option 2 – 24 hour urgent mental health support. Dial 111 and select option 2.
- SHOUT 85258 24 hour crisis text service for mental health – Text “shout” to 85258 for urgent mental health support.
If at serious risk of imminent harm dial 999 or attend nearest Accident and Emergency
Information about the neurodevelopmental assessment pathway
- See the Norfolk County Council Local Offer website for advice for parents seeking assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions including Right To Choose /Patient Choice
- Family Action provide a support service for parents of children and young people in Norfolk and Waveney who are awaiting assessment by the Neurodevelopmental Service or who have been diagnosed with ASD or ADHD
Support with Education Health and Care Plan processes
- Education, health and care plans (EHCP) guidance Norfolk County Council.
- Norfolk SEN network aim to help parents of children and young people with SEND (0-25 years) to find the right educational placement or provision to meet their needs.
- Norfolk SENDIASS provide EHCP resources, SEND advice clinic and SEND training.
Last Updated April 2025 Next Update April 2026