Skip to content
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust Logo

Support directory for families and children with additional needs in Leeds

Complex communication and autism specific

This information is intended to be a guide to services and activities provided by national and local organisations that you may wish to access now or in the future*

In addition, you may wish to discuss any concerns and the support available by speaking with:

Supporting websites

National Autistic Society (NAS)

National Autistic Society (NAS) is the leading UK Charity for Autism. The website has many resources including information on behaviour, sensory differences and toilet training. The National Autistic Society also runs a helpline 0808 800 4104 (10am to 3pm from Monday to Friday).

Amazing things happen video was a NAS finalist. This short video gives an uplifting introduction to autism for young non-autistic audiences, aiming to raise awareness, understanding and tolerance in future generations.

Ambitious about autism

Ambitious about autism is a National Charity for children and young people with Autism. Raising awareness, running services and campaigns for change. Ambitious about Autism’s ‘Right from the Start’ parent toolkit contains a wealth of straightforward information in one place to guide parents and carers through their child’s journey in the early years. It signposts to sources of support and additional information. Read the Parent toolkit support for parents of autistic children

NHS website

This has an autism and everyday life page which shares information on ‘How to help with your child’s behaviour’. Read more on help with behaviour

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust Integrated Children with Additional Needs (ICAN)

Our ICAN team at Leeds Community Healthcare have put together a series of videos which you may find helpful to watch. These are designed for families of children with complex communication needs or autism. Each video lasts between 20 minutes and 40 minutes and is best viewed on a laptop or smartphone. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘video toolkit’ for the individual webcasts or click on or copy each link below.

MindMate Neurodiversity Hub

This is a one-stop information resource to support all neurodivergent (ND) children, young people and families in Leeds both WITH and WITHOUT formal diagnoses. Visit the MindMate website

Leeds Local Offer

The Leeds Local Offer provides information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers in a single place. It shows families what they can expect from a range of local agencies including education, health and social care. Visit Leeds Local Offer website

School support

Inclusion Advisory team: Communication and interaction including Autism is National Autistic Society accredited and a regional partner to the Neuroinclusive Education Network, promoting ‘difference not deficit’ approach to understanding communication and interaction, including autism.

This page is for parents and carers seeking to have a better understanding of the Inclusion Advisory team. Communication and interaction including Autism offer to mainstream schools and colleges. It will also provide information and updates regarding our offer to parents.

Support groups

  • Autism UK
  • Leeds and District: Autism behaviour and communication: This support Group is a regional resource for parents of children with an autistic spectrum condition. They are based in Bramley, Leeds 13. Providing help, support and advice about services, facilities, education, care and welfare for parents and families of children displaying Autistic Spectrum Conditions including Asperger’s Syndrome.
  • AWARE: is a parent-run group supporting families with children and young adults on the autistic spectrum (formal diagnosis not required). Covering Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven areas and beyond (including Leeds). A small fee is required for membership. AWARE offer some parent training, activities for children, parent support and have an e-newsletter to keep you up to date.
  • Zigzag Leeds: Zigzag is a parent led support group based in North Leeds, offering advice, support, and guidance for those who care for a child or young person with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or similar condition.
  • The Vinery Mencap offers family support, chat and tots groups each week, parent training (sleep), playschemes in school holidays and a very well stocked toy library!

Fun sessions

  • Autism friendly cinema: Films suitable for all audiences are screened in a sensory friendly and inclusive environment at a variety of cinemas. Read about the Vue Cinema accessibility
  • Neurodivergent friendly days out in Leeds: Visit the University of Leeds residence life page
  • Jump Inc Leeds(SEN sessions): Families can take advantage of a quieter trampoline session, where the music is turned down and lights are lower.
  • Gravity Trampoline Park, Kirkstall: Trampolining for children on the autistic spectrum or with sensory or learning disabilities. Autism friendly sessions include plenty of space, reduced capacity, music turned down (no loud announcements), strobe lighting turned off and house lights only. Zigzag run some of their sessions from here and advise that it can be cheaper to purchase a monthly pass if you are a regular attender.

Holidays

Airports

Many airports and airlines help people with autism and their families. For instance:

survey icon
Tell us what you think

We would love to know what you think of our website and if there is anything we can improve.

Complete our survey and share your thoughts.