Why It Matters
Without advocacy, many families and individuals miss out on vital help. For example, a child without an adequate Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) might not get needed therapies or classroom accommodations, impacting their learning and wellbeing. In addition, adults can feel let down if employers or benefit agencies fail to make legally required adjustments.
Under UK law, neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD usually count as disabilities, which means you have a right to reasonable adjustments in school, work and health care. In addition, The Special Educational Need and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice guarantees a suitable education for children with special needs, and if a local authority refuses an EHCP or cuts support, parents and young people can appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. In healthcare, the Accessible Information Standard obliges the NHS to meet communication needs by giving you written notes or extra time if you need it. All these laws exist to protect you, but they only work if someone helps you use them.
In short, advocacy means someone is actively watching out for your rights and helping you demand the support you’re entitled to.
How It Works
Education & EHCP Guidance: Our network can guide you through the EHCP process for your child or young person. This includes help with paperwork, preparing for school or local authority meetings, or understanding what special support is possible. For example, if a council refuses to assess, you can seek advice on appealing to the SEND Tribunal.- Workplace Rights & Employment Law: Our network can explain how the Equality Act protects you at work, and can help you request reasonable adjustments like flexible scheduling, written instructions, or noise cancelling headphones – and coach you on those conversations. If you face unfair treatment or dismissal, support can be provided to outline your options for formal complaints or tribunals.
- Benefits, Housing & Healthcare Advice: Our network support appeals on benefits (PIP, ESA, Universal Credit) or housing decisions, ensuring public agencies don’t discriminate against you. Our support can help gather medical evidence, write letters, and even accompany you to hearings or appointments. In healthcare, our support can ensure your communication needs are understood by arranging longer GP appointments or providing information in writing as required by law.
- Parent & Carer Advocacy: Parents and carers often need support too. Autimly specialists can prepare you for meetings with professionals, help sort complex paperwork, or attend reviews with you so everyone’s on the same page. Our support explains your rights clearly, and helps you articulate your concerns calmly.
Our Approach
We bring together legal know how with neurodiversity affirming empathy. Autimly specialists are trained in neurodivergent needs and rights. We follow values of respect, inclusivity and honesty.
Our experts can draw on UK disability and education law to back you up. In short, we’re on your side, combining practical guidance with genuine care, offering straightforward advice wrapped in patience and understanding.
What to Expect
- A safe, non-judgmental space (online or in-person) where you can tell experts what’s happening. We listen carefully and work at a pace you’re comfortable with.
- Clarity and practical steps: Our experts can break down what might otherwise be jargon into simple terms.
- Collaboration: You can bring paperwork, letters or notes from home. Our experts may co-write letters with you or role play conversations. You’re always in control of the process.
- Flexibility: Sessions can be longer if needed, and you’re welcome to have a family member, friend or supporter join us.
- Follow-up support: Afterward, our professionals can provide summaries of our discussion and outline actionable next steps. We won’t just give advice and disappear.
Why Autimly?
- Specialist advocacy rooted in neurodivergent experience: Our experts combine lived insight with deep professional knowledge of autism and ADHD.
- Rights based support: Our experts apply UK legal frameworks to make sure you or your child gets what you're entitled to.
- Support with clarity, not overwhelm: We break down complex systems — from EHCPs to tribunals — into clear, manageable steps.
- We stay by your side: Whether it’s writing appeal letters, attending school meetings, or preparing for benefit assessments, we’re with you at every stage.
