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Helpful Links

Please note that any external links to resources, blogs, products, organisations, advocates and information shared within this website or newsletters do not necessarily reflect the views of Odyssey PDA.  They are shared for information only and are not a recommendation or endorsement.

Below are links to websites / blogs that you may find helpful for support or to learn more about PDA and other neurodivergent conditions; this list is not exhaustive! 

PDA advocates / bloggers with lived experience:

Supportive advocates / professionals (also with lived experience) on social media:

  • Alice Running - author, neuroaffirming autism specialist, challenging parent blame
  • At Peace Parents - Casey Ehrlich, Ph.D - PDA parent, researcher & coach
  • Authentically Emily - autistic & ADHD author, blogger, speaker and mental health nurse
  • Dr Judy Eaton - clinical director and consultant clinical psychologist at Help for Psychology
  • Dr Megan Anna Neff - neurodivergent (Autistic-ADHD) psychologist, parent, and educator
  • Dr Naomi Fisher - clinical psychologist, author and EMDR trainer specialising in trauma, autism and alternative ways to learn
  • Eliza Fricker - author & illustrator, and an advocate & consultant for PDA, autism and learning
  • H Arlo-Harris - Trans+, AuDHD, PDA adult, adaptive athlete, musician, transformational coach and speaker helping people to own their identity (former educator)
  • Heidi Mavir - AuDHD author, public speaker, trans-allied advocate and mental health champion
  • Jade Farringdon - neurodivergent counsellor and rewind trauma therapist
  • Kelly Mahler - occupational therapist, interoception groupie!
  • Laura Hellfeld - independent neurodivergent nurse & sleep consultant
  • Leanne Maskell - founder of ADHD Works - AuDHD author, ADHD coach & trainer
  • Libby Hill - independent speech and language therapist at SmallTalk, published author on selective mutism and PDA
  • Pooky Knightsmith - proudly autistic, PhD in psychological medicine, sharing clear practical strategies for schools and families
  • SENDinMama - autistic educator, writer, and proud neurodivergent mum of four
  • Tigger Pritchard - awesomely neurodivergent and an autistic and PDA advocate, consultant and trainer

PDA:

 

Autism:

 

ADHD:

  • ADHD UK - by people with ADHD for people with ADHD
  • UKAP - The UK ADHD Partnership - building better futures for children with ADHD (includes support groups)
  • ADHDadultUK - peer-led support and coaching for adults with ADHD

 

Complex Needs:

  • SENSE - supporting disabled people with complex needs
  • The Brain Charity - we champion neurodiversity and help anyone affected by a neurological condition to rebuild their lives and achieve their potential

 

Disability Rights:

 

Adult & Young Carers:

Benefits & Finance:

Criminal Justice System (CJS):

Diagnosis & Health: 

Distressed Behaviours:

  • Lives in the Balance - Prof Ross Greene author of The Explosive Child, Collaborative and Proactive Solutions
  • Challenging Behaviour Foundation - only for families of people with severe learning disabilities
  • Mencap - learning disability and challenging behaviour
  • Newbold Hope - supporting families experiencing extreme behaviour in children
  • PEGS - supporting parents, carers and guardians impacted by child to parent abuse
  • The Ollie Foundation - suicide prevention and well-being charity

Eating Disorders: 

Education / EHCP Support: 

Service Provider Directories:

Social Work: 

Speech & Language:

Toileting:

Local Support - Buckinghamshire (for Milton Keynes specific contacts see next section):

Local Support - Milton Keynes:

Local Support - Oxfordshire:

Access Schemes & Discounts:

Note: not all schemes are free to join but can offer substantial discounts and / or some free access especially for carers; the Access Card being a good example. 

 

  • Access Card (via Nimbus) - the physical card acts as a photo ID that can be used to easily communicate your access requirements to events and venues, so that the venues can provide accessibility to the needs of their visitors

    Don’t forget, even if you don’t have an Access Card, if you / your child receives DLA / PIP or Carers Allowance you can take a copy of the letter and often receive discounts or a free carers pass. Some places will also accept an autism diagnosis letter.

    Merlin Entertainment also use the Access Card system to book SEN Ride Access Passes.  Don’t forget to register and reserve these at least 7 days in advance, as places are limited each day.  
    Free carers tickets are also available and are collected on the day of entry. 

     
  • Blue Light Card - discount service for those working in the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, teaching community and armed forces

 

  • Blue Peter Badges - children aged 5-15 who have been awarded any BP badge receive free entry to attractions (carers of disabled badge holders can sometimes go in free depending upon local attraction policy). Don’t forget to take the BP photo ID

     
  • Buses – free disabled passes & companion tickets:

    Bucks (excl Milton Keynes)
    and discounted bus travel for 16 & 17 year olds via Yoti CitizenCard

    Milton Keynes

    Oxford
    and companion passes

    Berkshire:
    Bracknell Forest
    Windsor and Maidenhead
    Reading
    Sough
    West Berkshire
    Wokingham

    Hertfordshire

     
  • Carefree - a charity transforming vacant hotel rooms into vital breaks for full-time unpaid carers (cost to carer £33 admin fee per break, as at Sept25)

     
  • Carers Card UK - access exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, free giveaways, a supportive community, and more

     
  • CEA Card - allows carers to support disabled people to access the cinema for free

     
  • Disabled Person’s Railcard - travelling via train with someone 16+ who is ‘disabled’ you may find it more cost effective to consider purchasing this card

     
  • Discounts for Carers - exclusive discounts, cashback and vouchers for carers and care workers

     
  • Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme - many activity centres, shops, airport and transport systems recognise this scheme and offer additional support to those using their services

    If you’re flying away on adventures don’t forget to ask if the airports you’re using recognise the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard scheme. Many airlines will now give you a lanyard with your tickets and may help organise additional support for check-in.

     
  • Max Card - discounts for familes of SEND and looked after children
    or, register on the Bucks disabled children’s register and get a free card

     
  • Student Beans - lots of different discount offers including with Merlin Entertainment; for students 16+ and requires a school/college email - if provision isn't registered on their site a letter from school/college to confirm they're a student can be used to apply

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