Caudwell Children

Caudwell Children supports disabled and neurodivergent children and their families across the UK.

We believe every child is born with potential. By building awareness, showing understanding and providing personalised support, we help children and young people discover their voice, their path and their full potential.

Our vision is a world where every disabled and neurodivergent child has everything they need to thrive.

We provide a range of services designed to support children, young people and families at every stage of their journey, including autism assessments, family support, occupational therapy, workshops, specialist equipment and sensory support.

Autism Assessments

Our Autism Assessment Service provides NICE-aligned autism assessments for children aged 4–11 years. Assessments are completed by our specialist multi-disciplinary clinical team at the Caudwell International Children's Centre and are recognised by the NHS, local authorities and schools.

Every family receives wrap-around support from our Family Support Team and access to workshops to help them understand and navigate their next steps.

Eligibility: Children must be aged 4–11 years and referred by a health, education or social care professional. Families may be eligible for charity funding if they receive means-tested benefits or have a household income of £60,000 or less (excluding benefits), savings of £16,000 or less, and their child has not previously received an autism assessment unless further review has been recommended. The family contribution for a charity-funded assessment is £500. Families not eligible for charity funding can still access an Autism Assessment through Caudwell Children for the full cost of £2,500.

Family Support

Our Family Support Team provides free, personalised support to families of disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. Our experienced Family Support Coordinators take the time to understand each family's circumstances and help them access the support they need.

Support may include guidance around autism assessments, equipment applications, education and SEND support, local services, benefits, wellbeing and next steps following a diagnosis. Families can access support by telephone, email and live chat.

Eligibility: Available free of charge to families of disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. Support is available to families accessing Caudwell Children services and those seeking information, guidance or signposting to appropriate support.

Workshops

Our workshops provide practical information, guidance and strategies for families raising disabled and neurodivergent children. Sessions cover topics including sensory needs, communication, emotional regulation, sleep, nutrition, relationships and autism-specific support.

Most sessions are delivered online, making them accessible to families across the UK. Some workshops, including Autism Next Steps for children aged 4–7, 8–11 and teenagers, are also delivered face-to-face to provide more personalised support and guidance.

Eligibility: Workshops are available to families of disabled and neurodivergent children and young people aged 4–18 years. The child and their parent or guardian must be living legally in the United Kingdom. Families can access up to two workshops per year free of charge. Attendance at Autism Next Steps (Parents and Carers, Ages 4–7, Ages 8–11 and Teenagers), Forming Relationships and Autism and Wellbeing requires a confirmed autism diagnosis.

Equipment and Sensory Support

We help disabled and neurodivergent children access specialist equipment that supports mobility, independence, comfort and wellbeing. Support may include powered wheelchairs, therapy tricycles, specialist buggies, car seats, harnesses, sensory equipment and sensory boxes.

Our equipment programmes help children participate more fully in everyday life, giving them greater opportunities to explore, learn and thrive.

Eligibility: Children must be under 19 years old, living legally in the United Kingdom and have a chronic illness or disability. Families may be eligible for charity funding if they receive means-tested benefits or have a household income of £60,000 or less (excluding benefits) and savings of £16,000 or less. Caudwell Children typically funds up to 80% of approved equipment costs, with families contributing the remaining 20%.

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapy Service helps children and young people develop the skills they need for everyday life. Working closely with families, our therapists support independence, confidence, self-care, play, learning and participation at home, school and in the community.

Support is tailored to the individual child, helping them achieve goals that are meaningful to them and their family.

Eligibility: Available to children and young people aged 0–18 years with developmental concerns. Referrals can be made by parents, carers, health professionals, education professionals, social care professionals or GPs. Children should not be receiving Occupational Therapy support from another service at the same time. Families may be eligible for charity funding if they receive means-tested benefits or have a household income of £60,000 or less (excluding benefits). The family contribution for charity-funded Occupational Therapy is £300. Families not eligible for charity funding can access the service through a self-funded Occupational Therapy package costing £1,586.

Whatever stage of the journey you're on, we're here to help disabled and neurodivergent children and their families access the support they need to thrive.