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Appendix C

Resources

Free Chapter

A curated collection of the books, websites, and organisations referenced in this voyage. This list is a starting point, not an exhaustive map.

Important: Four Nations The United Kingdom comprises four nations with different systems for education, health, and family law. This appendix focuses primarily on England, with key variations noted for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Always verify which system applies to your situation.

1. Crisis & Emergency Support (Immediate Help)

If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to the nearest A&E department.

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 emotional support—you don't have to be suicidal to call).
  • Childline: 0800 1111 (free, confidential support for under-19s, 24/7).
  • Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (mental health information and support, Mon–Fri 9am–6pm).
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58 (support for men, 5pm–midnight daily).
  • Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 text support for anyone in crisis).
  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141 (suicide prevention for under-35s).
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (adults concerned about a child's safety).

2. Understanding Neurotypes (The Currents)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Website: ADHD Foundation - adhdfoundation.org.uk
    • The UK's leading ADHD charity. Training, advocacy, and the annual "Umbrella Project" in schools.
  • Website: ADHD UK - adhduk.co.uk
    • Peer support, Right to Choose guidance, and medication shortage updates.
  • Website: AADD-UK (Adults with ADHD) - aadduk.org
    • Support specifically for adults with ADHD, including late diagnosis.
  • NHS Information: nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
    • Official NHS guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Book: Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhD.
    • The definitive science-based guide on executive function and management.
  • Book: ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD.
    • Focuses on the strengths and "Ferrari engine" metaphor of the ADHD brain.

Autism / ASD

  • Website: National Autistic Society - autism.org.uk
    • Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (Mon–Thu 10am–4pm, Fri 9am–3pm)
    • The UK's leading autism charity. Diagnosis guidance, education support, employment advice, and local branches.
  • Website: Autistic UK - autisticuk.org
    • Autistic-led advocacy organisation promoting neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
  • Website: Autism Education Trust - autismeducationtrust.org.uk
    • Free training and resources for schools, developed with the National Autistic Society.
  • NHS Information: nhs.uk/conditions/autism
    • Official NHS guidance on autism signs, diagnosis, and support.
  • Book: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.
    • A paradigm-shifting book that reframes "autistic behaviours" as human coping mechanisms.
  • Book: NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.
    • A comprehensive history of autism and the neurodiversity movement.
  • Book: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida.
    • A profound window into the mind of a non-speaking autistic boy.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)

  • Website: PDA Society - pdasociety.org.uk
    • The world's leading resource on PDA. Free downloads, training, bookshop, and case studies.
  • Website: PDA Resource - pdaresource.com
    • Practical strategies and school resources for PDA families.
  • Book: The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker.
    • An illustrated guide that captures the humour and exhaustion of PDA parenting perfectly.
  • Book: Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie.
    • Essential for navigating school accommodations for PDAers.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) & Behaviour

  • Website: Lives in the Balance - livesinthebalance.org
    • Dr. Ross Greene's organisation. Free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
  • Book: The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD.
    • Must-read for ODD. Moves from "compliance" to "collaboration."
  • Book: Beyond Behaviours by Mona Delahooke, PhD.
    • Uses neuroscience to explain "bad behaviour" as stress responses.

3. Navigation Tools (Parenting Strategy)

SEND & Education Support (England)

  • Website: IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) - ipsea.org.uk
    • Free legal advice on SEND law. Essential for EHCP applications and appeals.
  • Website: Contact (for families of disabled children) - contact.org.uk
    • Helpline: 0808 808 3555
    • Advice, emotional support, and local family groups across the UK.
  • Website: SOS!SEN - sossen.org.uk
    • Independent advice on special educational needs in England.
  • Website: Special Needs Jungle - specialneedsjungle.com
    • Parent-led resource with EHCP guides, tribunal advice, and news on SEND policy.
  • Website: Coram Children's Legal Centre - childrenslegalcentre.com
    • Free legal advice on education, immigration, and children's rights.
  • GOV.UK SEND Guide: gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs
    • Official government guidance on SEND support, EHCPs, and school responsibilities.
  • NICE Guidelines (ADHD): nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
    • Clinical guidelines on diagnosis and management of ADHD.
  • NICE Guidelines (Autism): nice.org.uk/guidance/cg128
    • Clinical guidelines for autism recognition and referral in children.

SEND Tribunal Note: If your EHCP application is refused or you disagree with its contents, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND). Parents win 98-99% of appeals that reach tribunal—a refusal is not the final word. IPSEA offers free support throughout the process.

Four Nations: Education Systems

Nation Support Plan Key Organisation
England EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) IPSEA: ipsea.org.uk
Wales IDP (Individual Development Plan) SNAP Cymru: snapcymru.org
Scotland CSP (Co-ordinated Support Plan) Enquire: enquire.org.uk
Northern Ireland Statement of SEN SENAC NI: senac.co.uk

Healthcare & NHS

  • Right to Choose (England Only):
    • If your GP agrees a referral for ADHD/autism assessment is needed, you can request referral to an NHS-contracted private provider (such as Psychiatry UK). The NHS pays—no cost to you—and wait times are typically weeks rather than years.
    • Note: This right applies in England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different systems.
  • Website: Psychiatry UK - psychiatry-uk.com
    • NHS Right to Choose provider for ADHD assessments.
  • NHS England (SEND): england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/care
    • Information on health services for children with learning disabilities and autism.

Medication Warning: The UK is experiencing severe medication shortages for ADHD medications (including Elvanse/lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate) through 2025. Check the Specialist Pharmacy Service for current shortage information.

Sensory Processing

  • Book: The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz.
    • The classic introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
  • Website: Sensory Integration Network - sensoryintegration.org.uk
    • UK-based training and practitioner directory.

4. Co-Parenting & Family Law

  • Website: Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) - cafcass.gov.uk
    • The court's "voice of the child" in family proceedings. Understand their role and reports.
  • Website: Family Rights Group - frg.org.uk
    • Advice Line: 0808 801 0366
    • Free advice for families involved with children's social care or family courts.
  • Website: Gingerbread (for single parents) - gingerbread.org.uk
    • Helpline: 0808 802 0925
    • Practical and emotional support for single parents, including benefits and housing advice.
  • Website: Resolution - resolution.org.uk
    • Find family law solicitors committed to non-confrontational approaches.
  • Website: National Family Mediation - nfm.org.uk
    • Mediation services for separating parents.
  • GOV.UK Child Arrangements: gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce
    • Official guidance on Child Arrangements Orders (formerly "custody" and "access").
  • Book: The Co-Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell.
    • A practical guide for separated parents navigating shared parenting arrangements.
  • Book: Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J. L. Baker and Paul R. Fine.
    • Strategies for high-conflict situations and parallel parenting.
  • App: OurFamilyWizard - ourfamilywizard.com
    • Court-accepted app for documenting communication and expenses.

Four Nations Note: Family law differs across the UK. Cafcass operates in England. Wales uses Cafcass Cymru, Scotland has Children 1st and different legislation (Children (Scotland) Act 1995), and Northern Ireland has separate family court structures.

5. Financial Support

6. Podcasts & Audio (Listen While You Sail)

  • Podcast: ADHD Chatter (hosted by Alex Partridge).
    • UK-based ADHD podcast featuring interviews with researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience.
  • Podcast: The Aucademy Podcast (hosted by Dr. Wenn Lawson & Tanya Adkin).
    • Research-informed discussions on autism, PDA, and neurodivergent lived experience.
  • Podcast: Square Peg (hosted by Danielle Swanson).
    • UK parents navigating SEND, home education, and neurodivergence.

7. Captain's Wellness (Parent Support)

  • Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA.
    • Essential reading for understanding the physiology of stress.
  • Book: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, PhD.
    • Antidote to the shame and "inner critic" of special needs parenting.
  • Website: Family Action - family-action.org.uk
    • Emotional and practical support for families facing hardship.
  • Website: Carers UK - carersuk.org
    • Helpline: 0808 808 7777
    • Information, advice, and support for carers across the UK.
  • App: Insight Timer
    • Free meditation app with specific tracks for anxiety and sleep.

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every viewpoint expressed. Always consult with your own medical, legal, and educational teams for specific advice. Verify all helpline numbers before use—services and hours may change.

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