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Mum to 16 year old daughter who has recent autism diagnosis..what now ?

Sunflower

Hello,it has taken 3.5 years for my daughter to receive an autism diagnosis . She has social anxiety and so has not been able to access a school setting for the past 2 years . She managed a few GCSEs but really wants to attend a sixth form college for A levels. The anxiety is stopping this .

We/She was told last week about the new diagnosis and doesn't seem fazed by it really with her feeling it helps her understand why she finds some things more challenging. 

We don't know where to go from this ? Where to gain support for her anxiety as CAMHS will now not feel their therapy will be appropriate we meet with them for her last session next week!

She has no EHCP . What organisation can I contact to help with education questions, support for her anxiety etc ?  Any online sites aimed at her age group for support /like minded people. Feel that we are back on our own again trying to find the right road to take,blindly!!

Any thoughts please will be most appreciated. 

Parents

  • Mmm... I hear you, and I'm really sorry you're both going through this.

    Getting an autism diagnosis after such a long wait is a big deal, and it's completely understandable that you're feeling lost and a bit abandoned now that CAMHS is stepping back. The good news is that there are routes forward, even without an EHCP in place yet.

    Immediate practical steps

    1. Education Support (Sixth Form / College)

      • Contact the sixth form colleges your daughter is interested in directly. Ask to speak to the Learning Support / Additional Needs Coordinator. Explain she has a new autism diagnosis + severe social anxiety, and she wants to do A-levels but hasn't been in school for two years.

      • Many colleges are actually quite good at supporting autistic students with anxiety. They can offer:
        • Reduced timetable
        • Quiet study spaces
        • Support workers / mentors
        • Alternative ways of being assessed

    2. Request an EHCP Assessment You (or the college) can ask your Local Authority for a formal Education, Health and Care Plan assessment. Even at 16+, she is still entitled to this.

      • Do this in writing (email is fine).
      • Mention the autism diagnosis, the social anxiety preventing school attendance, and her desire to study A-levels.

    3. Key Organisations that can help right now

      • IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - excellent free legal advice on EHCP rights. Phone helpline is very good. → https://www.ipsea.org.uk/

      • National Autistic Society - They have a helpline and a specific section for post-16 / transition support. → Helpline: 0808 800 4104

      • Ambitious about Autism - Very good for young people wanting to go to college/sixth form. They understand anxiety + autism. → https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

      • YoungMinds – Mental health support for young people (they can advise on anxiety when autism is involved). → https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

    Online communities for her age (16–19)

    • Autistic Girls Network – excellent, supportive community for teenage girls and young women.

    • The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – has youth sections.

    • Wrong Planet forum - has sections for teens and young adults.

    • NAS Youth – National Autistic Society has a youth area.

    You're not on your own in this. There are proper routes and organisations that exist precisely for situations like this.

  • in reply to lostmyway

    Hello
    It's imprtant to flag that part of this information is out of date.

    The National Autistic Society no longer has a transition‑specific helpline, so the reference to post‑16 / transition support via 0808 800 4104 is not accurate.

    When sharing information generated by AI tools, it’s really important to double‑check that details are current and correct before posting, as outdated information can be confusing or unhelpful for people seeking support.

    Thanks
    Sharon Mod

Reply
  • in reply to lostmyway

    Hello
    It's imprtant to flag that part of this information is out of date.

    The National Autistic Society no longer has a transition‑specific helpline, so the reference to post‑16 / transition support via 0808 800 4104 is not accurate.

    When sharing information generated by AI tools, it’s really important to double‑check that details are current and correct before posting, as outdated information can be confusing or unhelpful for people seeking support.

    Thanks
    Sharon Mod

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