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  • 5 Signs You Might Be an Undiagnosed Autistic Adult

    Many autistic adults don’t realise they’re autistic until later in life. Some reach their 30s, 40s or beyond before anyone ever uses the word — often after years of anxiety, burnout, or feeling like life is harder than it should be.

    For many, the realisation comes after their child is diagnosed.

    If you’ve ever thought, “This explains far too much”, you’re not alone.

    Here are five common signs of undiagnosed autism in adults, particularly women and parents.

    1. You’ve Always Felt Different — But Couldn’t Explain Why

    You may have coped well on the outside: school, work, relationships, parenting.
    But internally, you’ve often felt out of step with the world.

    You might describe it as:

    • feeling like you’re “pretending” to be normal
    • watching others socially and copying them
    • feeling like you missed a rule everyone else got

    This sense of difference often goes unnoticed because you appear capable — but capability doesn’t equal ease.

    2. Everyday Life Leaves You Exhausted

    This isn’t normal tiredness.

    It’s the kind of exhaustion that comes from:

    • social interaction
    • noise and sensory input
    • constant decision-making
    • emotional labour

    You may need long periods alone to recover, feel overwhelmed by busy environments, or feel completely depleted after situations others seem to manage without effort.

    Many undiagnosed autistic adults push through — until burnout hits.

    3. You Mask Automatically (Even Without Realising)

    Masking means adapting your behaviour to fit in — often at a huge personal cost.

    This can look like:

    • rehearsing conversations in your head
    • saying the “right” thing while feeling something else inside
    • suppressing stimming, discomfort, or overwhelm
    • smiling and coping in public, then crashing at home

    Masking is a survival strategy, not a personality flaw — and it’s one of the main reasons autism is missed in adults.

    4. You’ve Been Treated for Anxiety or Depression for Years — But Something Never Fully Fits

    Many autistic adults are diagnosed with:

    • anxiety
    • depression
    • burnout
    • chronic stress

    Some also experience:

    • autoimmune conditions
    • chronic pain
    • fibromyalgia
    • migraines

    These aren’t caused by autism — but years of masking, overwhelm, and unmet needs can take a serious toll on the body and mind.

    When autism is missed, treatment often focuses on symptoms without addressing the root cause.

    5. Your Child’s Diagnosis Made Everything Click

    This is one of the most common triggers for adult realisation.

    You advocate for your child, learn about autism — and suddenly:

    • their sensory needs feel familiar
    • their social struggles mirror your own
    • their coping strategies look like yours

    Many parents only recognise their own autism after supporting their children.

    This doesn’t mean you “caused” it.
    It means neurodivergence often runs in families — and understanding it brings clarity, not blame.

    What If This Sounds Like You?

    Being autistic doesn’t mean you’re broken.
    It means your brain processes the world differently.

    A diagnosis — or even self-understanding — can:

    • reduce self-blame
    • explain lifelong patterns
    • improve mental health
    • help you set boundaries
    • support your parenting and relationships

    You don’t have to rush into labels.
    You’re allowed to explore, reflect, and learn at your own pace.

    You’re Not Late — You’re Just Finally Being Heard

    Many autistic adults weren’t missed because they didn’t struggle.
    They were missed because they survived quietly.

    If this post resonated with you, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it.

    Understanding yourself is not indulgent.
    It’s healing.

    For more guidance on autism, PDA, SEND parenting, adult diagnosis, benefits, and rights, visit AskEllie.co.uk — created to help families and individuals navigate systems that were never built with neurodivergence in mind.

    If you’re beginning this journey, you’re welcome here.

  • How SEND Parents and Disabled People Can Get Funding of Up to £36,000 to Adapt Their Home

    Many families are struggling in homes that simply don’t meet their needs — cramped spaces, unsafe layouts, no sensory-safe areas, or bathrooms and bedrooms that make daily life harder rather than easier.

    What most people aren’t told is that there is funding available to change this.

    If you or your child is disabled, you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) — often up to £30,000 in England, and up to £36,000 in some areas, depending on your local authority.

    This is not a loan.
    And for many families, it’s life-changing.

    What Is a Disabled Facilities Grant?

    A Disabled Facilities Grant is government-funded support provided through your local council to help make a home safe, accessible, and suitable for disability-related needs.

    It exists to prevent:

    • unsafe living conditions
    • breakdown of care
    • worsening mental health
    • families being forced into unsuitable housing

    The grant can apply to children or adults, and it is based on need, not just diagnosis.

    What Can the Funding Be Used For?

    Depending on your situation, a DFG can be used for:

    • Building a home extension (for example, an extra bedroom or living space)
    • Creating a downstairs bathroom or wet room
    • Adapting an existing bathroom or kitchen
    • Installing ramps, widened doorways, or level access
    • Creating safe sensory spaces or care areas
    • Improving access to and from the home

    The goal is simple: to make the home fit the person, not force the person to cope with an unsuitable home.

    Who Can Apply?

    You may be eligible if:

    • You are disabled, or
    • You have a disabled child, and
    • Your home is no longer suitable because of disability-related needs

    You do not have to be a homeowner.

    You can apply if you are:

    • A homeowner
    • A private tenant (with landlord permission)
    • A council or housing association tenant

    For children, the grant is not means-tested.
    For adults, a means test may apply, but many people still qualify for full or partial funding.

    How Do You Apply?

    The process usually looks like this:

    1️⃣ Contact Your Local Council

    Ask for the Disabled Facilities Grant or the Housing Adaptations Team.

    2️⃣ Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment

    An OT will assess:

    • your needs (or your child’s)
    • how the home affects daily life
    • what adaptations are required

    This assessment is key — it forms the basis of the grant.

    3️⃣ Evidence & Approval

    The council will review:

    • the OT recommendations
    • medical or educational evidence
    • whether the work is “reasonable and practicable”

    Once approved, the council manages or approves the work.

    Common Myths (That Stop Families Applying)

    “It’s only for wheelchair users.”
    False. Many grants are awarded for sensory needs, supervision needs, anxiety, autism, and safety.

    “We’ll be told to move instead.”
    Councils should prioritise adapting a home where possible, especially for children.

    “It’s too expensive — we won’t qualify.”
    Funding limits exist precisely because adaptations are costly.

    “It’s only for physical disabilities.”
    Autism, learning disabilities, and complex SEND needs are valid grounds.

    Why This Matters for SEND Families

    An unsuitable home can:

    • increase meltdowns and distress
    • worsen sleep and anxiety
    • make education or care impossible
    • place huge pressure on parents and carers

    Housing is not separate from SEND — it’s part of it.

    If your home environment is contributing to daily struggle, asking for support is not unreasonable. It’s exactly what this funding exists for.

    Key Takeaway

    You are not asking for special treatment.
    You are accessing support that already exists.

    If your home no longer works for your family because of disability, you have the right to ask for it to be adapted.

  • Signs of Gut Imbalance or Yeast Overgrowth in Autistic Children

    (What parents often notice — and what to do next)

    Many parents of autistic children notice patterns that don’t quite fit into the usual explanations of “behaviour” or “phases”.

    Periods where regulation suddenly dips.
    Sleep becomes difficult.
    Digestive issues flare up.
    Stimming increases or changes.

    For some families, these shifts appear to happen alongside changes in gut health.

    This doesn’t mean there is one cause, one diagnosis, or one solution — but it does highlight how closely connected the gut and brain can be, especially for neurodivergent children.

    The Gut–Brain Connection (In Simple Terms)

    The gut and brain communicate constantly through what’s known as the gut–brain axis. This means digestion, bacteria balance, inflammation, and food tolerance can all influence:

    • mood
    • sleep
    • sensory regulation
    • emotional resilience

    Autistic children are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues than neurotypical peers, which is why many parents start noticing behavioural changes alongside digestive symptoms.

    Signs Parents Often Report Together

    Parents sometimes notice a cluster of changes, rather than one isolated issue.

    Behavioural & Regulation Changes

    These may include:

    • Increased stimming (especially vocal stims or high-pitched sounds)
    • More jumping, spinning, crashing, or sensory seeking
    • Irritability or meltdowns that feel sudden or unexplained
    • Difficulty settling, especially at night
    • Changes in sleep patterns or frequent waking

    These behaviours are not “caused by yeast” — but they may reflect a body that is struggling to regulate.

    Digestive Signs Parents Mention

    Alongside behaviour changes, parents often report:

    • Constipation for several days followed by diarrhoea
    • Bloating or excessive gas
    • Stomach pain without clear explanation
    • Very strong cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates
    • Feeling “off” after certain foods

    Some parents also describe periods of unusual giddiness or hyper-excitability after eating certain foods, followed by fatigue or emotional crashes.

    Why This Can Be Confusing for Families

    Many autistic children already rely on:

    • safe foods
    • routine eating patterns
    • carbs or sugar for comfort and regulation

    So when digestive issues appear, it can be hard to tell:

    • what’s sensory
    • what’s emotional
    • what’s physical

    This is why gut health should be seen as one piece of a bigger picture, not a single explanation.

    What Parents Can Do (Without Panic or Restriction)

    It’s important not to self-diagnose or make drastic dietary changes without support. But there are gentle, sensible steps parents can consider.

    Observe Patterns

    • Keep a simple log of food, sleep, digestion, and behaviour
    • Look for patterns over time, not one-off reactions

    Reduce Pressure Around Food

    • Avoid sudden restrictions
    • Focus on adding supportive foods rather than removing everything
    • Remember that eating is often about safety and regulation, not nutrition alone

    Seek Professional Support

    • Speak to your GP about digestive symptoms
    • Ask for referral to a dietitian or paediatric specialist if needed
    • Share both physical and behavioural observations — they matter together

    A Note on Yeast Overgrowth

    Yeast overgrowth (such as Candida) is sometimes discussed in autism spaces. While it can occur, it cannot be diagnosed by behaviour alone.

    Any concerns about yeast or gut imbalance should always be explored with a qualified professional. Behavioural changes alone are not proof of any specific condition.

    The Most Important Thing to Remember

    Your child isn’t “acting out”.
    Their body may be asking for support.

    Behaviour, digestion, sleep, and regulation are deeply connected — especially for neurodivergent children. Trusting your observations, asking questions, and seeking appropriate support is not overreacting. It’s good parenting.

    You don’t need all the answers — just permission to look at the whole child, not just the behaviour.

  • Section 36: You Can Request an EHCP Assessment Yourself — Schools Don’t Have the Final Say

    Many parents are told the same thing when they raise concerns about their child’s needs:

    “School doesn’t think they need an EHCP.”
    “Let’s wait and see.”
    “They’re coping in class.”

    What most families are not told is this:

    👉 Schools do not have the final say.

    Under Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014, parents (and young people over 16) have a legal right to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment directly from the Local Authority.

    You do not need school permission.

    What Is Section 36?

    Section 36 is the part of SEND law that gives parents the right to formally ask the Local Authority (LA) to assess their child’s special educational needs.

    It exists so that children are not denied support simply because:

    • a school disagrees
    • a child is masking
    • behaviour is misunderstood
    • attendance is poor
    • budgets are tight

    If a child has or may have SEND, and those needs are impacting education, the LA must consider your request.

    You Do NOT Need School Approval

    This is where many families get stuck.

    You do not need:

    • The school’s agreement
    • A SENCo to apply for you
    • A diagnosis
    • Evidence that school has “tried everything”

    Schools can provide evidence, but they do not decide whether an assessment happens.

    That decision belongs to the Local Authority.

    What If School Says “They’re Fine Here”?

    This is one of the most common barriers.

    A child being “fine” in school does not mean they do not have SEND.

    Many children:

    • mask all day
    • comply at the cost of mental health
    • melt down at home
    • become anxious, exhausted, or dysregulated

    SEND law looks at need, not appearances.

    Home behaviour, emotional distress, physical symptoms, and parental evidence all count.

    What Happens After You Request an Assessment?

    Once the Local Authority receives your request, they have:

    🗓 6 weeks to decide whether to assess.

    If they agree:

    • A full EHC needs assessment begins
    • Professionals may be asked for reports
    • Your child’s needs across education, health and care are considered

    If they refuse:

    • They must give reasons in writing
    • You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal

    Refusal is not the end of the road.

    What If Your Child Isn’t in School?

    This is crucial.

    A child does not need to be attending school to request an EHCP assessment.

    In fact, children who are out of school due to:

    • anxiety
    • EBSA
    • unmet SEND
    • trauma
    • mental health needs

    often need EHCP protection most.

    Attendance does not cancel your legal rights.

    Why Parents Starting the Process Matters

    Many families wait years because they’re told:

    • “school doesn’t support it”
    • “they’re too young”
    • “they’ll grow out of it”
    • “we’ll review next term”

    Section 36 exists to stop children falling through the cracks.

    If you know something isn’t right — trust that instinct.

    Key Takeaway

    Schools do not have the final say.
    Parents have the legal right to ask.

    If your child is struggling and support isn’t in place, Section 36 gives you the power to act.

  • If Your Child Has Stomach Aches Thinking About School — Please Read This First

    Right now, many parents are at breaking point.

    Children are waking up with stomach aches, headaches, nausea, tears.
    Mornings feel like panic. Nights are filled with dread.
    And parents are being told to “just get them in” — even when their child is clearly unwell.

    If this is your family, you are not imagining it.

    When a child’s nervous system is stuck in fight, flight or freeze, the body often speaks before the child can. Stomach pain, headaches and exhaustion are not excuses — they are signs of distress.

    And it’s true:
    You do not legally have to force your child into a situation that is harming them.

    But before anyone rushes into decisions out of desperation, there are some important things every parent needs to understand.

    Why so many children are physically unwell around school

    For children experiencing EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance), school is not just “hard” — it feels unsafe.

    Their bodies respond with:

    • stomach aches and nausea
    • headaches
    • panic or freezing
    • meltdowns or shutdowns
    • refusal to leave the house

    This is not laziness.
    It’s not defiance.
    And it’s not caused by parenting.

    It’s a nervous system in survival mode.

    Home education: legal, valid — but not a quick fix

    Home education is legal in England.
    And for some families, it can be the right choice.

    But it’s important to understand this clearly:

    Deregistering your child from school is a permanent legal step.

    Once you deregister:

    • the school place is gone
    • you cannot simply “try it” and return
    • the Local Authority’s duties change
    • access to support, provision and EHCP routes can become more complicated

    This does not mean home education is wrong.

    It means parents deserve full information, not pressure-driven decisions made during crisis.

    The choice is not: force school or deregister

    This is the part many families are never told.

    You do not have to choose between:

    • forcing a distressed child into school
      or
    • deregistering immediately

    There are other legal options that should be explored first, including:

    • EBSA-informed support pathways
    • Reduced or flexible timetables
    • Alternative provision
    • Medical evidence routes
    • Section 19 duties (education otherwise than at school)
    • Holding a school place while a child stabilises

    These options exist in law — even when schools fail to mention them.

    Panic decisions often come from exhaustion, not clarity

    Many parents say:
    “I can’t watch my child suffer anymore.”

    That feeling is completely valid.

    But permanent decisions made in survival mode can close doors parents didn’t even know existed.

    You don’t need to decide everything today.
    You don’t need to choose one path immediately.
    You need support, information, and time.

    What matters most right now

    If school has become a nightmare — that matters.
    If your child is physically unwell — that matters.
    If you are exhausted and overwhelmed — that matters.

    But parents deserve:

    • clear information
    • legal clarity
    • options explained without judgement

    That is why AskEllie exists.

    To help families pause, understand their rights, and make informed decisions — not rushed ones.

    Final thought

    Listening to your child does not mean rushing into irreversible choices.
    Protecting your child does not mean you’ve failed the system.

    You are allowed to stop, breathe, and ask:
    “What support should be in place before we make a permanent move?”

    If you need help understanding your options, your rights, or what to ask for next — you don’t have to do this alone.

  • How Much Will DWP Benefits Rise in 2026?

    Universal Credit, PIP, JSA, ESA & Child Benefit Explained

    Many families are already asking the same question:

    How much will DWP benefits rise in 2026 — and will it actually make a difference?

    With living costs still high and pressure on household budgets, understanding how benefit increases work is essential for planning ahead.

    Here’s what we know — and what families should realistically expect.

    How benefit rises are usually decided

    Most DWP benefits increase each year in line with inflation, using the September inflation figure from the year before.

    That means:

    • Inflation in September 2025 is likely to determine benefit rates for April 2026
    • The government does not usually announce final figures until late autumn or the Budget
    • Increases are typically modest and designed to maintain value, not significantly improve living standards

    Benefits expected to rise in 2026

    Unless there is a major policy change, the following benefits are expected to rise broadly in line with inflation:

    Universal Credit (UC)

    • Standard allowances usually rise annually
    • Any additional elements (children, disability, carers) also increase slightly
    • Monthly payments may go up by a small amount, depending on inflation

    Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

    • Both Daily Living and Mobility components usually rise
    • Increases are applied weekly but add up over the year
    • These rises matter because PIP unlocks other support, not just cash

    Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

    • Weekly rates typically rise annually
    • Applies to both contributory and income-related ESA

    Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

    • Standard rates normally rise each April
    • Still applies to a smaller group of claimants, but increases follow inflation

    Child Benefit

    • Rates are usually uprated each year
    • Increases tend to be modest — often a few pounds per month per child

    Will the 2026 rises keep up with the cost of living?

    For most families, the honest answer is: not fully.

    While benefit increases help protect value on paper, many households still find that:

    • Energy, food and housing costs rise faster
    • Disability-related costs continue to grow
    • SEND and disabled families face higher unavoidable expenses

    This is why checking entitlement accuracy is often more important than waiting for annual increases.

    Important things families often miss

    Many people focus on headline rises but miss the bigger picture:

    • Increases are automatic, but missing elements are not
    • Being on the wrong UC element can mean missing hundreds per month
    • PIP awards can unlock:
      • Council tax reductions
      • Carer support
      • Travel discounts
      • Extra UC elements
    • Some people are still on legacy benefits when UC would pay more

    Annual rises only help if you’re already on the correct rate.

    What families should do now

    Instead of waiting for April 2026:

    1. Check your current benefit award
    2. Make sure all relevant elements are included
    3. Review disability-related support linked to PIP
    4. Plan ahead — don’t rely on small annual increases to close budget gaps

    Understanding the system often makes a bigger difference than the rise itself.

    Final thoughts

    The 2026 benefit increases will matter — but they won’t solve the bigger issues many families face.

    Clear information, correct entitlements, and knowing your rights remain the most powerful tools.

    If you want help checking what you should be receiving, or understanding how future changes affect your family, AskEllie is here to help.

  • SEND Parents: How to Save Hundreds of Pounds on Your Council Tax

    Many SEND families are under huge financial pressure — and yet one of the biggest sources of help is rarely explained clearly.

    If you have a disabled child or adult in your household, you may be entitled to significant council tax reductions. For some families, this can mean saving hundreds of pounds every year.

    The problem?
    Councils don’t automatically tell you.
    And they don’t apply it unless you ask.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    1. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme (DBRS)

    This is one of the most overlooked forms of support for SEND families.

    You may qualify if your home has been adapted or is used in a way that supports your child’s disability.

    This includes:

    • A room used mainly for your child’s needs (for example, therapy, regulation, specialist equipment)
    • Extra space needed because of mobility or sensory needs
    • Adaptations such as wider doorways or an additional bathroom

    If approved, your home is treated as being in one council tax band lower, which reduces your bill.

    Important things parents aren’t told:

    • You do not need an EHCP
    • You do not always need DLA or PIP
    • The decision is based on how the space is used, not labels

    You must apply through your local council.

    2. Council Tax Reduction (CTR)

    If you’re on a low income or receive benefits such as:

    • Universal Credit
    • Income-related ESA
    • Income Support

    You may be entitled to Council Tax Reduction.

    This can:

    • Reduce your bill significantly
    • In some cases, reduce it to almost nothing

    Each council sets its own rules, so eligibility varies by area — but many SEND families qualify and never apply.

    3. Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) Discount

    This applies to adults, not children — but it can still affect the household bill.

    If an adult in the home has a condition that significantly affects their understanding or decision-making (for example, autism, learning disability, brain injury), and they receive certain benefits, they may be disregarded for council tax purposes.

    This can:

    • Reduce the number of “chargeable adults” in the home
    • Lower the overall council tax bill

    A GP or consultant usually needs to complete a short confirmation form.

    4. These reductions are NOT automatic

    This is the most important thing to understand.

    Councils will not:

    • Tell you this exists
    • Apply it automatically
    • Backdate it unless you ask

    You must:

    • Apply directly
    • Provide evidence
    • Challenge a refusal if needed

    Many SEND families miss out simply because no one explains their rights.

    5. How to apply

    Go to your local council’s website and search for:

    • “Disabled Band Reduction”
    • “Council Tax Reduction”
    • “Severe Mental Impairment Council Tax”

    If you’re unsure what applies to you, apply anyway. The worst outcome is a no — but many families are surprised by a yes.

    Final thoughts

    SEND families already carry enough stress.
    If there is support available to reduce your bills, you deserve to access it.

    Council tax help exists — but only if you know where to look and are confident enough to ask.

    If you need help understanding what you might qualify for, or what to say to your council, AskEllie is here to help.

  • When Your Child Won’t Stay in Their Bed — And How It Affects Your Relationship

    If your child keeps getting out of bed, sneaks into yours during the night, or falls asleep on the floor instead of their own bed, you’re not alone.

    And no — this isn’t bad habits, manipulation, or “letting things slide”.

    For many neurodivergent children, sleep is not a routine problem.
    It’s a nervous system problem.

    Why bedtime is so hard for some children

    At night, everything changes for a child’s brain:

    • the house goes quiet
    • distractions disappear
    • anxiety has space to grow
    • sensory awareness increases
    • imagination ramps up

    For some children, especially autistic, ADHD, PDA or anxious children, being alone in their room can feel genuinely unsafe.

    Their body isn’t asking for comfort.
    It’s asking for regulation and safety.

    That’s why you might see:

    • repeated trips out of bed
    • sleeping on the floor
    • insisting on your bed
    • waking frequently and needing reassurance

    Your bed becomes a place of:

    • connection
    • predictability
    • safety
    • calm

    This isn’t about spoiling. It’s about survival.

    “But won’t this create bad habits?”

    This is one of the biggest fears parents carry — and it’s understandable.

    But skills like independent sleep can’t be learned when the nervous system is dysregulated. A child who feels unsafe at night isn’t choosing dependence — their body simply isn’t ready for separation yet.

    Regulation comes before independence.
    Always.

    As children mature and feel safer, many naturally move toward their own space without force.

    The part no one talks about: relationships

    This is where things get really hard.

    Sleep disruption doesn’t just affect parents — it affects relationships.

    Couples often lose:

    • time to talk
    • physical closeness
    • shared rest
    • emotional connection

    And even when both adults deeply understand why it’s happening, resentment, grief or exhaustion can quietly build.

    Feeling torn between meeting your child’s needs and protecting your relationship is one of the hardest parts of parenting — and it’s rarely spoken about.

    Acknowledging this doesn’t make you selfish.
    It makes you honest.

    There is no single “right” answer

    Different families find different solutions, including:

    • co-sleeping long-term
    • floor beds or mattresses
    • taking turns sleeping with a child
    • prioritising safety now and independence later

    What matters most is not the setup — it’s the communication between adults.

    Talking openly about:

    • how tired you both are
    • what you’re missing
    • what support you need
      can prevent resentment from quietly taking over.

    This phase does not define the future

    A child needing you at night does not mean they always will.

    Nervous systems mature.
    Anxiety changes.
    Sleep needs evolve.

    Choosing peace at 2am is not failure.
    It’s parenting a child where they are right now.

    Final thought

    You are not weak for responding to your child’s need for safety.
    And you are not wrong for caring about your relationship too.

    Both can matter.
    Both deserve compassion.

    If this resonates, you’re not alone — and there are ways forward that don’t involve shame, pressure, or ultimatums.

  • Things You’re Entitled To on PIP, Universal Credit & DWP Support – From January 1st

    As a new year starts, many families worry that support has ended, rules have changed, or help has quietly disappeared. January is often one of the hardest months financially — especially after Christmas — and misinformation spreads fast online.

    The truth is: support did not stop on January 1st. In fact, there are still several forms of help available through the DWP, local councils, and related schemes that many people don’t realise they’re entitled to.

    This post breaks it down clearly.

    1. Household Support Fund: Still Available in January & February

    One of the biggest misunderstandings is that the Household Support Fund (HSF) ended at Christmas. It didn’t.

    The Household Support Fund is delivered by local councils, and many are continuing to offer support throughout January and February, with funding currently running through to March 2026.

    Depending on where you live, this support can include:

    • supermarket or food vouchers
    • gas and electricity top-ups
    • help with water bills
    • support for essentials like clothing or household items
    • in some areas, white goods such as washing machines or fridges

    Many councils allow self-referral, and in some cases support is issued very quickly if there is urgent need.

    The key point: availability and amounts vary by council, so you must check locally.

    2. PIP Does Not Reset or Stop in January

    Another common fear is that PIP changes or stops at the start of a new year. This is not true.

    If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP):

    • it does not stop because it’s January
    • it is not means-tested
    • it is not affected by work or savings

    Your PIP award continues unless you are due a scheduled review or you report a change of circumstances.

    It’s also important to remember that PIP can unlock additional support, such as:

    • Blue Badge eligibility
    • Motability
    • council tax reductions
    • access to grants and charity support

    These entitlements don’t disappear just because the calendar changes.

    3. Universal Credit Continues as Normal

    There’s a widespread myth that January brings automatic Universal Credit changes or reassessments. It doesn’t.

    Your Universal Credit claim continues unless:

    • your income changes
    • your household changes
    • you report a change of circumstances

    Being on Universal Credit does not stop you from:

    • applying for Household Support Fund help
    • receiving food or energy vouchers
    • accessing crisis or discretionary support

    Local council help is separate from Universal Credit and usually does not affect your UC payments.

    4. You Can Ask for Help Again

    Many families don’t realise this, so it’s worth saying clearly:

    👉 You are allowed to ask for help more than once.

    If your situation has changed — higher bills, illness, reduced income, extra needs — you can reach out again to:

    • your local council
    • Citizens Advice
    • welfare or cost-of-living support teams

    Support is based on current need, not whether you’ve asked before.

    5. Using This Support Is Not Fraud

    This is a big fear for many people.

    Using:

    • Household Support Fund help
    • council-issued vouchers
    • emergency food or energy support

    does not count as fraud and does not negatively affect your benefits.

    These schemes exist because people are struggling. Using them is not doing anything wrong.

    What to Do Next

    If money is tight right now, your next steps should be:

    1. Visit your local council’s website and search for “Household Support Fund” or “cost of living support”
    2. Contact Citizens Advice if you’re unsure what you can apply for
    3. Don’t assume you’re not eligible — ask the question
    4. Apply early, as some council funds are limited

    Final Thoughts

    January doesn’t mean support has ended.

    If you’re worried about food, heating, bills, or essentials, help may still be available — but it’s often poorly advertised and easy to miss.

    You are not failing for needing support.
    You are not doing anything wrong by asking.
    And you are not alone.

    For more clear, practical guidance on benefits, SEND support, and financial help, visit AskEllie.co.uk.

  • The Truth Behind the Headline Claiming “900 Suspected Extremists”

    A recent headline from the Daily Mail has caused understandable alarm. It claims that more than 900 suspected extremists are feared to be plotting school massacres or mass casualty attacks. For many parents, disabled people, and SEND families, reading something like this can be deeply unsettling.

    But headlines don’t always tell the full story.

    This article explains what that number actually means, how UK safeguarding and counter-extremism systems work, and why this headline needs careful context rather than panic.

    What Does the “900” Figure Really Refer To?

    The headline does not mean there are 900 active, imminent plots against schools.

    Instead, the number refers to individuals who have been flagged over time within the UK’s counter-extremism and safeguarding systems. These systems monitor a wide range of concerning behaviours, including:

    • online extremist content
    • radical or violent rhetoric
    • ideological grooming
    • associations with extremist material
    • expressions of mass-harm ideation

    Crucially, being “flagged” does not mean someone is planning an attack, has access to weapons, or poses an immediate threat.

    How Threat Monitoring Actually Works

    UK security and safeguarding systems work on risk levels, not binary labels.

    People may be assessed as:

    • low risk
    • developing concern
    • moderate risk
    • high risk

    Most individuals in these datasets sit at the lower end, often involving online behaviour or early warning signs. Many cases are monitored precisely so that intervention happens early, long before any real-world harm is possible.

    This is prevention, not prediction.

    Why Headlines Like This Cause So Much Fear

    Headlines collapse years of safeguarding work into one frightening sentence. When stripped of context, they can sound like a countdown to disaster.

    But this kind of reporting often:

    • removes timescales
    • removes risk gradings
    • removes the fact that monitoring is ongoing
    • removes the success of early intervention

    The result is panic — not understanding.

    Are Schools Under Immediate Threat?

    There is no national police alert, no instruction to close schools, and no indication of an increased immediate threat beyond existing safeguarding frameworks.

    Schools in the UK operate under constant safeguarding oversight, and serious threats trigger immediate, visible action. That is not what is happening here.

    Why This Matters for SEND Families

    Children with anxiety, trauma histories, autism, PDA profiles, or sensory sensitivities can be particularly affected by fear-based headlines.

    Repeated exposure to alarming news can lead to:

    • sleep disruption
    • increased anxiety
    • school avoidance
    • intrusive worries
    • heightened emotional distress

    Parents may notice children becoming withdrawn, fearful, or resistant to school after seeing or hearing these stories.

    What Parents Can Do

    If your child has come across this headline:

    • Reassure them that adults and professionals are actively keeping schools safe
    • Avoid repeating dramatic language
    • Stick to simple, factual explanations
    • Limit exposure to sensational news content
    • Offer space for questions without reinforcing fear

    If worries persist, schools have safeguarding and pastoral responsibilities — you can ask for support.

    The Bigger Picture

    The number in the headline reflects systems working, not systems failing.

    Early identification, monitoring, and intervention are how harm is prevented — quietly, consistently, and often successfully. Those successes rarely make headlines.

    Fear spreads faster than facts.
    But facts are what keep communities calm and children safe.

    Why We Created the Rumours Series

    This blog accompanies our Rumours video series — created to slow down viral headlines, restore context, and protect families from unnecessary panic.

    Parents deserve clarity.
    Disabled people deserve calm information.
    And children deserve adults who aren’t reacting to fear-driven headlines.