Caudwell Children

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.

Founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 2000, we provide a range of services designed to support children, young people and families at every stage of their journey, from autism assessments and family support to occupational therapy, workshops and specialist equipment.

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.

Unlike many providers, our assessment process is completed over two days, bringing together all the specialists needed to understand a child’s strengths, differences and support needs. Every family receives post-assessment support from our Family Support Team and access to workshops to help them 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) and savings of £16,000 or less. The family contribution for a charity-funded assessment is £500. Self-funded assessments are available for £2,500.

Equipment and Sensory Equipment

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, live legally in the UK 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.

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.

Developed with families and people with lived experience, our workshops help parents and carers better understand and support their child. 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: Families can access up to two workshops per year free of charge. Most workshops do not require a diagnosis.

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, live chat or in person through our Family Hubs.

Eligibility: Available free of charge to families of disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. Families accessing a Caudwell Children Autism Assessment receive dedicated wrap-around support throughout their assessment journey.

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 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) and savings of £16,000 or less. The family contribution for charity-funded Occupational Therapy is £300. Self-funded Occupational Therapy is available for £1,586.

To find out more about any of our services, please contact our Family Support Team on 03330 570253 or visit www.caudwellchildren.com