Some children may need extra help to support their development.
There’s a big range of ‘normal’ in babies and young children’s development. The advice on the Talk, Listen, Cuddle website will support the development of all children.
Some children may need additional support for a short period of time, and others may go on to have a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND).
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, you can contact your GP or Health Visitor.
SEND Resources
Below are a collection of resources to assist you in finding the best support available for you and your child across Essex:
Essex Local Offer
The Essex Local Offer has advice and support for parents, carers and young people with SEND from 0-25 years.
You can use the Local Offer to:
- Understand what to do if you’re new to SEND
- Browse for local support such as support groups and fun activities
- Find out how to access the right healthcare support for your child
- Find out about help available at school for your child
Autism Central
Autism Central is delivered in the East of England by Essex County Council and is a peer to peer Education and Support Programme for Parents and Carers of autistic children or adults of any age.
If you want to find out how you can support your child, and speak to other parents of autistic children, you can request either 1:1 or group support. No diagnoses required.
Good Beginnings
Good Beginnings is an 8-week autism information course for parents and carers of children in reception or younger. It takes place in person across Essex, and sometimes runs online in the evenings. Where possible, courses are joined by health colleagues.
If you want to know more about autism, or how to support your child, you can express an interest. No diagnosis required.
SEND Roadshows
The SEND Roadshows are face-to-face events in Essex for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
People from various services are there to offer you advice, answer your questions, and help you find the right support. No diagnoses required.
Essex Family Forum (EFF)
EFF is the parent carer forum in Essex for families whose children and young people have SEND.
They have a ‘Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child’ resource pack to help families navigate the support that is available to them.
Special Needs and Parents (SNAP)
Partnering with parents, SNAP is a charity supporting families whose children have additional needs or disabilities and live under Essex County Council, Thurrock or Southend local authorities.
No formal diagnosis or professional referral is necessary to access SNAP services.
MAZE
Supporting families of children with additional needs in North East Essex, The MAZE is a unique approach to SEND, offering insights into how children with additional needs experience the world.
They also provide specialist support for parents who have additional needs.
Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service
The Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service ensures all families within Essex are supported from before children are born up to the age of 19 (or 25 for those with Special Educational Needs).
You can contact them to seek advice and search for local services in your area.
Speech & Language UK
Speech and Language UK are a charity that provides training and resources for professionals as well as advice and information families.
Down Syndrome UK (DSUK)
DSUK is a national charity passionate about empowering parents and professionals to improve the lives of those with Down Syndrome and their families in the UK.
Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS)
PADS is a website by parents for parents and parents-to-be of Down Syndrome children. They have an online community where you can meet with others in the same situation as you, ask any questions, share any worries you may have and know that you are not alone.