National Resources List
National Autistic Society – Professional Resources
Guidance for professionals working with autistic children and adults
Toolkits, training resources, and research briefings
🌐 https://www.autism.org.uk/professionals
ADHD Foundation – Professional Resources
ND-informed training, webinars, and consultancy for schools, social care, health and workplaces
Evidence-based practice guides
🌐 https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/professionals
Ambitious about Autism – Professional Guidance
Best practice guides for education, transitions, social care
Research summaries and resources for multi-agency teams
🌐 https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/professionals
Contact (formerly Contact a Family) – Professional Support
Resources on disability rights, benefits, social care law, and family support
Toolkits for working with parents and carers
🌐 https://contact.org.uk/professionals
Council for Disabled Children (CDC)
National umbrella organisation for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Evidence-based guidance for professionals and local authorities
🌐 https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
The British Dyslexia Association – Professional Advice
Guidance for schools, social care, and health teams on supporting dyslexic children
Training resources and evidence-based practice tools
🌐 https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/professionals
Dyspraxia Foundation – Professional Resources
ND-informed guidance and professional training for dyspraxia support in children and adults
🌐 https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/professionals
Mental Health & Crisis Support Guidance for Professionals
PAPYRUS – HOPELINE247
Guidance on supporting children and young people at risk of suicide
Advice for professionals on safeguarding, referrals, and crisis management
🌐 https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Samaritans – Professional Guidance
Resources for professionals supporting those in distress or at risk
🌐 https://www.samaritans.org/professionals
Mind – Workplace & Professional Resources
Mental health information, training and toolkits for supporting families and staff
🌐 https://www.mind.org.uk
Additional Professional Support & Networks
Neurodiversity UK – Professional Network
Peer network, events and ND-informed practice resources
🌐 https://neurodiversityuk.co.uk
Autism Central – Professional Directory & Resources
National database of services and guidance for professionals
🌐 https://www.autismcentral.org.uk
Emotional Wellbeing & Crisis Support (UK-Wide)
Available to children, young people and adults
PAPYRUS – HOPELINE247
(For children and young people under 35)
📞 0800 068 4141
📱 Text 07860 039967
🕒 24/7 support
Confidential support for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts
Advice and support for parents and carers
🌐 https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Shout – Text Support
📱 Text SHOUT to 85258
🕒 24/7
Free, confidential text support for anyone in emotional distress
🌐 https://www.giveusashout.org
Samaritans
📞 116 123
🕒 24/7
Emotional support for anyone struggling or feeling overwhelmed
🌐 https://www.samaritans.org
Childline
(For children and young people under 19)
📞 0800 1111
🕒 24/7
Confidential counselling by phone or online chat
🌐 https://www.childline.org.uk
NHS Urgent Mental Health Support
📞 NHS 111 → Option 2
Immediate mental health support for all ages
🌐 https://www.nhs.uk
📚 Further Information & Signposting
Autism Central
National autism information hub and directory
🌐 https://www.autismcentral.org.uk
Afasic
Support for speech, language and communication needs
🌐 https://www.afasic.org.uk
UK Police Neurodiversity / Autism Alert Card Schemes (2026)
How this works:
Most UK police forces offer alert cards or similar communication aids so officers can recognise and respond more appropriately to neurodivergent people (often autism, communication needs, sensory differences).
National Police Autism Association
National & Multi-Force Schemes
Tri-Force Autism Alert Card (London)
For: Metropolitan Police, City of London Police & British Transport Police
Description: Autism alert card & passport identifying autism and communication needs.
Access: Email autism@met.police.uk to request/apply.
National Police Autism Association
Regional / Force Schemes (England & Wales)
Anglia (Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire)
Scheme: Autism Alert Card (Autism Anglia)
Description: Card to show police/emergency services that holder is autistic and may need support.
Apply: 🖥️ https://www.autism-anglia.org.uk/our-services/autism-alert-card/
Autism Anglia
Thames Valley (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes)
Scheme: Thames Valley Autism Alert Card
Description: Free card to explain autism and communication needs to officers or other responders.
Apply: 🖥️ https://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/thames-valley-autism-alert-card/ �
Autism Berkshire
West / Central England (Staffordshire, West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire & British Transport Police)
Scheme: Autism Alert Card (regional)
Description: Credit-card style autism alert card recognised by local forces; includes emergency contact details.
Apply: Online form via your local force (e.g., Staffordshire Police).
Humberside Police
Scheme: Neurodiversity Alert Card
Description: Card to communicate neurodivergent needs (eg autism) to officers; includes space for contacts and personal info.
Obtain: Free from local police stations or download.
South Yorkshire Police
Scheme: Autism Alert / Learning Disability / Mental Health Alert Cards
Description: Free cards to help police and emergency services understand specific needs and how to communicate effectively.
Apply: See South Yorkshire Police alert card downloads page.
South Yorkshire Police
Leeds (West Yorkshire Police)
Scheme: Leeds Autism Alert Card
Description: Coproduced card to help communicate autism needs (name, communication preferences, emergency contact).
Apply: 🖥️ https://leedsautismaim.org.uk/resources/leeds-autism-alert-card/
Leeds Autism AIM
Other / Multi-Force Supportive Schemes
Pegasus Card
For: Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, City of London, Surrey, Sussex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire & Cambridgeshire
Description: PIN-based stored info system for emergency calls; card allows services to access preferences nationally.
Access: Contact your local force for registration details.
E-Card (Lancashire & Greater Manchester)
For: Lancashire Constabulary & Greater Manchester Police
Description: Emergency info card supporting communication needs in crisis/emergency situations.
Access: Request via local force or NHS/community services.
Keep Safe Cymru Card (South Wales)
For: South Wales Police
Description: Vulnerability ID card (learning disability, communication needs, autism) to support interactions with police/emergency staff.
Access: Via South Wales Police / Keep Safe Cymru partners.
Helpful Resources
👉 NPAA Full UK Force Alert Card List (click your local force for details):
🖥️ https://www.npaa.org.uk/alert-card-schemes/
National Police Autism Association