Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in the UK
An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document designed for children and young people up to age 25 who need additional support beyond what is typically provided in educational settings. The EHCP outlines the child’s special educational, health, and social care needs and details the support required to achieve their educational goals.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate the EHCP process in the UK.
Step 1: Understanding the EHCP and Who Can Request One
Who can request an EHCP?
A parent or guardian, a young person over 16, or the school/educational setting can request an EHCP assessment.
Typically, an EHCP request is made when the school’s current support does not meet the child’s needs, even with Special Educational Needs (SEN) provisions.
Eligibility
The local authority (LA) will assess if the child has or may have SEN that requires an EHCP.
The LA’s decision is based on whether the current provisions meet the needs or if additional support is essential.
Step 2: Requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment
Gather Documentation
Collect evidence of the child’s needs, including:
Reports from the school (e.g., Individual Education Plans, SEN Support Plans).
Medical or professional assessments.
Records of interventions and their impact.
Submit the Request
Write a formal request to the local authority’s SEN department. Ensure to include documentation of the child’s needs and any existing support.
Many councils provide templates or online forms. Check your borough’s website for specific forms.
LA’s Decision Timeline
The LA has six weeks to respond. They may:
Accept the request and proceed with an assessment.
Decline the request. In case of refusal, you can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND).
Step 3: EHCP Needs Assessment
What Happens During the Assessment?
If the request is accepted, the LA will conduct a needs assessment.
This involves gathering reports from various professionals, including:
Educational psychologists
Health professionals (such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists)
Social care assessments if necessary
Parental input is essential, as parents provide key insights into their child’s needs and daily experiences.
Assessment Timeline
The LA has a maximum of 16 weeks from the initial request date to decide if an EHCP is needed following the assessment.
Step 4: Drafting the EHCP
Creating the EHCP Document
If the LA decides an EHCP is needed, they will create a draft EHCP.
Parents receive a copy to review and can request specific changes or amendments. Parents also select the school preference during this stage.
Review and Amendments
Once parents review the draft, they have 15 days to respond.
The LA must consider parents’ preferences and requested amendments, though they may not adopt all suggestions.
Finalizing the EHCP
After reviewing any parental feedback, the LA will issue the final EHCP, which includes:
The child’s identified needs.
Specific support required to meet those needs.
Goals or outcomes expected.
Named school placement, if applicable.
Timeline for Final EHCP
The entire process, from initial request to the final EHCP, should be completed within 20 weeks.
Step 5: Annual Reviews and Monitoring
Annual Reviews
EHCPs are reviewed annually to assess the child’s progress and ensure continued adequacy of support.
For children under five, reviews may be more frequent if necessary.
Amendments Post-Review
If the child’s needs change significantly, parents or the educational setting may request amendments to the EHCP at any time.
The local authority must confirm within eight weeks if they agree to amend the EHCP.
Timeline for Each Borough
Each borough in the UK follows the same statutory timeframes:
Decision to assess: Six weeks.
Completion of the EHCP needs assessment: 16 weeks.
Issuance of final EHCP: 20 weeks.
However, some boroughs may process applications faster based on available resources and efficiency. Check with your local authority for specific processing times and additional resources. Click on this page to download a detailed EHCP:
As a mom to an autistic son, Akintade, and a career woman, my life is a constant juggle of responsibilities, goals, and the deep desire to provide my child with the best support. Balancing career ambitions with Akintade’s unique needs has taught me so much about resilience, adaptability, and the power of intentional choices. Here’s how I manage the journey, driven by the commitment to be both the parent Akintade needs and the professional I aspire to be.
1. Prioritizing Quality Time Over Quantity
Work often demands hours and focus that can feel at odds with family time. But I’ve learned to make the moments I spend with Akintade truly count. Every evening, we have our dedicated “unwind time” where I leave work behind and focus on being fully present. These moments give Akintade the support and connection he deserves, and they also refresh my spirit.
Tip: Designate specific times each day or week to engage with your child. Even 20 minutes of focused, device-free interaction can make a difference, creating meaningful memories and building trust.
2. Setting Clear Boundaries Between Work and Home Life
The demands of my career are unyielding, so setting boundaries has been key. At work, I communicate clearly with my team about my availability, especially for Akintade’s appointments or school activities. By setting expectations and building a supportive network of colleagues, I create the flexibility I need to be there for Akintade while still advancing my career.
Tip: Establish clear boundaries with colleagues, clients, or supervisors regarding family commitments. This honesty fosters mutual respect and creates a supportive work environment.
3. Embracing Flexible Work Arrangements
One of my most valuable career choices has been embracing flexibility. Working remotely or adjusting my hours on certain days allows me to better meet Akintade’s needs while still dedicating myself to my professional goals. Flexibility has empowered me to achieve in both arenas without feeling stretched too thin.
Tip: If possible, explore flexible work arrangements with your employer. This might mean negotiating work-from-home days, adjusting start times, or finding a schedule that aligns with your family’s needs.
4. Maximizing Productivity Through Planning and Delegation
To balance career tasks and Akintade’s needs, effective time management is essential. I start each week with a plan—laying out work deadlines, Akintade’s appointments, and personal time for self-care. Delegating household tasks or work responsibilities when needed is also a lifesaver. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness but a way to make sure I can show up fully for both my career and my child.
Tip: Use planners or digital tools to organize and track your work, home, and self-care activities. Breaking down big tasks into smaller steps helps make each day feel more manageable.
5. Creating a Network of Support for Akintade
From family members to specialized caregivers and teachers, having a support network for Akintade allows me to focus on my career without guilt. Knowing he’s with trusted, caring people gives me peace of mind. Akintade’s own independence has also blossomed through these connections, giving him new social interactions and experiences.
Tip: Build a community of caregivers, family, and friends to support both you and your child. Even a few hours of help each week can be transformative.
6. Celebrating the Journey, Together
Balancing a career and parenting Akintade brings unique challenges but also unforgettable moments of joy. I make it a point to celebrate each win in my career and Akintade’s life. Acknowledging his progress, no matter how small, and sharing my career successes with him strengthens our bond. These celebrations remind me why I work so hard—for both our futures.
Tip: Involve your child in your career journey when possible. Sharing work milestones can help them feel connected to your world, and celebrating their achievements can reinforce their confidence and your connection.
Final Thoughts: Your Path Is Your Own
Balancing a career with raising an autistic child is no easy feat, but with careful planning, support, and a heart full of purpose, it’s more than possible. Each day is a new opportunity to grow, adapt, and thrive as both a professional and a parent. By embracing flexibility, setting boundaries, and making the most of each moment with Akintade, I’m crafting a life that honors both our needs and dreams. To all the career moms out there navigating this path: you’re not alone, and your resilience is shaping an inspiring story.
Looking for guidance on autism diagnosis and support? Download the Parents Guide: Autism Diagnosis & Support Journey from my Stan store here: https://stan.store/folukt3
For more information on autism , follow my pages on Instagram @tadeautism.center @autismtreatmensi. DM me for information on how to care for an autistic child.
Once upon a time, in a small village deep in the heart of Africa, a baby girl named Zuri was born. Though her name meant “beautiful,” her birth came with expectations that weighed heavy on her small shoulders. Unlike the boys in her village who were celebrated with open arms and hopes for greatness, Zuri’s future was clear: she would marry, cook, and care for her husband and children. In many ways, her dreams were irrelevant. Education, ambition, and success were words reserved for the boys, while girls like her were expected to dutifully obey.
As Zuri grew, she watched the boys head to school, while she stayed behind to help with chores. In some parts of the world, even today, girls are denied an education, with society dictating that their role is not to achieve but to serve. The very idea of a woman having dreams outside her home, of aspiring to anything beyond marriage and motherhood, is often met with disapproval. And while men in her community were free to marry as many women as they pleased, the thought of a woman being unfaithful—even when her husband strayed—was considered unforgivable. Zuri was taught that a man could roam, but a woman must remain loyal, no matter the circumstances.
The Migration Effect on Black African Women
The story of the Black African woman doesn’t end within the borders of her village. Migration has played a significant role in shaping her journey. As African women move to new lands in search of better opportunities, they often find themselves navigating worlds that see them as outsiders. While many seek new beginnings, they quickly realize that the challenges of being both Black and a woman transcend borders.
In the corporate world, Black women are often made to feel invisible. Despite working harder and longer than their counterparts, they are frequently overlooked for top roles. Their qualifications, achievements, and ambitions are dismissed, as they are reduced to mere tokens—symbols to satisfy a company’s diversity policy rather than being recognized for their true potential. They may fill positions on paper, but in boardrooms and decision-making spaces, they are often treated as though they don’t belong.
This feeling of inadequacy is compounded by the unspoken yet deeply felt pressure to work twice as hard for half the recognition. A Black woman in the corporate world is not only expected to prove herself professionally but also to maintain the grace and strength demanded of her by society. At the end of her long workday, she still goes home to cook, clean, and care for her family. No matter how high she rises in her career, the expectation that she must “manage the home” remains, as if her worth as a woman is tied to how well she fulfills these traditional roles.
The Silent Strength of Black Women
Black women are raised to be resilient. From a young age, they are taught the virtues of long-suffering and tolerance, encouraged to wear smiles that mask the injustices, pain, and discouragement they face. Even in moments of deep hurt or frustration, they are expected to endure quietly, because that’s what society expects from them. They carry the weight of not just their personal struggles, but of their communities and families, with grace and a smile.
But make no mistake, Black women are not invisible. And in recent years, they are beginning to realize the full extent of their power.
In the last decade, Black women have begun shattering the glass ceilings that once seemed impenetrable. No longer content with being relegated to the sidelines, they are claiming their space in cities across the world. They are stepping into boardrooms, leading companies, and building careers that their grandmothers could have only dreamed of. And all while raising some of the brightest, most capable children in society.
Their journey to the top has been anything but easy. They’ve faced countless obstacles, from systemic racism to gender discrimination. But instead of being defeated by these challenges, they have grown stronger, more determined, and more vocal. Slowly but surely, they are changing the narrative for Black girls around the world.
Saluting the Black Woman
As I write this piece, I want to take a moment to salute the Black women who are working day and night, raising their heads in pride and reshaping the world for future generations. You may not always be seen, but your impact is undeniable. You are raising the next generation of leaders, scholars, innovators, and changemakers. Your resilience, your strength, your unwavering determination are the cornerstones upon which future Black girls will build their dreams.
Black women may not always be recognised for their contributions, but make no mistake: you are making history every single day. You are proving, time and time again, that Black women are more than capable, that they are not only fit to lead but that they are essential in reshaping the world.
The Wholeness of a Black Woman in a Multiracial World
Once upon a time, in a small village deep in the heart of Africa, a baby girl named Zuri was born. Though her name meant “beautiful,” her birth came with expectations that weighed heavy on her small shoulders. Unlike the boys in her village who were celebrated with open arms and hopes for greatness, Zuri’s future was clear: she would marry, cook, and care for her husband and children. In many ways, her dreams were irrelevant. Education, ambition, and success were words reserved for the boys, while girls like her were expected to dutifully obey.
As Zuri grew, she watched the boys head to school, while she stayed behind to help with chores. In some parts of the world, even today, girls are denied an education, with society dictating that their role is not to achieve but to serve. The very idea of a woman having dreams outside her home, of aspiring to anything beyond marriage and motherhood, is often met with disapproval. And while men in her community were free to marry as many women as they pleased, the thought of a woman being unfaithful—even when her husband strayed—was considered unforgivable. Zuri was taught that a man could roam, but a woman must remain loyal, no matter the circumstances.
The Migration Effect on Black African Women
The story of the Black African woman doesn’t end within the borders of her village. Migration has played a significant role in shaping her journey. As African women move to new lands in search of better opportunities, they often find themselves navigating worlds that see them as outsiders. While many seek new beginnings, they quickly realize that the challenges of being both Black and a woman transcend borders.
In the corporate world, Black women are often made to feel invisible. Despite working harder and longer than their counterparts, they are frequently overlooked for top roles. Their qualifications, achievements, and ambitions are dismissed, as they are reduced to mere tokens—symbols to satisfy a company’s diversity policy rather than being recognized for their true potential. They may fill positions on paper, but in boardrooms and decision-making spaces, they are often treated as though they don’t belong.
This feeling of inadequacy is compounded by the unspoken yet deeply felt pressure to work twice as hard for half the recognition. A Black woman in the corporate world is not only expected to prove herself professionally but also to maintain the grace and strength demanded of her by society. At the end of her long workday, she still goes home to cook, clean, and care for her family. No matter how high she rises in her career, the expectation that she must “manage the home” remains, as if her worth as a woman is tied to how well she fulfills these traditional roles.
The Silent Strength of Black Women
Black women are raised to be resilient. From a young age, they are taught the virtues of long-suffering and tolerance, encouraged to wear smiles that mask the injustices, pain, and discouragement they face. Even in moments of deep hurt or frustration, they are expected to endure quietly, because that’s what society expects from them. They carry the weight of not just their personal struggles, but of their communities and families, with grace and a smile.
But make no mistake, Black women are not invisible. And in recent years, they are beginning to realize the full extent of their power.
In the last decade, Black women have begun shattering the glass ceilings that once seemed impenetrable. No longer content with being relegated to the sidelines, they are claiming their space in cities across the world. They are stepping into boardrooms, leading companies, and building careers that their grandmothers could have only dreamed of. And all while raising some of the brightest, most capable children in society.
Their journey to the top has been anything but easy. They’ve faced countless obstacles, from systemic racism to gender discrimination. But instead of being defeated by these challenges, they have grown stronger, more determined, and more vocal. Slowly but surely, they are changing the narrative for Black girls around the world.
Saluting the Black Woman
As I write this piece, I want to take a moment to salute the Black women who are working day and night, raising their heads in pride and reshaping the world for future generations. You may not always be seen, but your impact is undeniable. You are raising the next generation of leaders, scholars, innovators, and changemakers. Your resilience, your strength, your unwavering determination are the cornerstones upon which future Black girls will build their dreams.
Black women may not always be recognised for their contributions, but make no mistake: you are making history every single day. You are proving, time and time again, that Black women are more than capable, that they are not only fit to lead but that they are essential in reshaping the world.
Tag a Black woman you want to give her flowers to this Black History Month. Let her know that she is seen, appreciated, and celebrated! ✨
To all my Black sisters reading this, take your flowers. You are the embodiment of resilience and beauty, and the world is better because of you. We are not invisible. We are not second-class. We are powerful, brilliant, and capable of anything we set our minds to.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember the Black girl child who, despite the odds stacked against her, will one day rule the world. She is the Zuri of her generation—a girl who dares to dream beyond her circumstances, who knows that she is whole, powerful, and destined for greatness.
To all the strong, powerful Black women in my life, this is for you: #BlackExcellence, #BlackGirlMagic, #BlackWomenInPower, #WomenOfColorInTech, #ResilientBlackWomen, #CelebratingBlackWomen, #BlackHistoryMonth, #BlackAndProud, #BlackDon’tCrack!
We are changing the narrative, and the world is watching. Let’s continue to rise, let’s continue to break down barriers, and let’s continue to hold our heads high.
You are my first child, the child of my youth, my womb opener. I still vividly remember when you were diagnosed with autism at just 2.5 years old. Before that moment, I noticed some early signs—things that made me worry deeply. You struggled to maintain eye contact, didn’t respond to your name the way I expected, and often seemed distant, as if the world around you was too overwhelming. I watched you retreat into your own space, and my heart ached. Those days were filled with fear, worry, and endless trips to doctors and specialists. I was searching for answers, desperate to understand what was happening, and terrified for your little brother, who I carried in my womb at the time. I was paranoid, afraid, and confused.
The day your brother was born, I cried. I remember holding him in my arms and apologizing to my tiny baby. I felt guilt—guilt for not being able to give him a brother who would sing to him, rock him to sleep, or grow up alongside him in the way I had always imagined. I wonder if you saw the fear in my eyes during those times. There were moments when you would cry, then suddenly stop, turning to look at me as if you understood. It was as though you knew my fears without me ever having to say a word.
Since then, I have fought many battles—strangers giving us looks, hospitals for the right treatment, social services for the support we needed, and the educational system for a school that would be the best fit for you. I threw myself into work, determined to give you the best life I could. There have been days when I felt exhausted, but each small progress you made kept us going. Every step forward you’ve taken has been a prayer answered. Even if parents of neurotypical children might not understand, I celebrate every little milestone, for they are victories for you and for us.
Akintade, you have come so far. You can now sit calmly, communicate in your own way, and make sense of the world around you on your terms. I’ve learned that God’s beauty shines through our children in different ways, each one unique. People often ask me when you’ll get a job, get married, or have children of your own. What they don’t realise is that God’s miracles unfold in their own time. I am overjoyed with the things you can do now—the things I once thought you might never be able to achieve. You tidy up your own centre, the Tade Autism Centre, organizing everything for yourself and the others who benefit from it. Without any spoken word or formal contract, you’ve earned your place as the CEO of your own centre. God has truly been good to you, my son.
I look to God every day as He continues to reveal His special plan for your life. Through it all, I’ve faced challenges, persecution, and pain because of the world’s lack of understanding, but it has opened my eyes to the greater things God has in store. As a Christian, I trust that He makes everything beautiful in His time, and I will forever be grateful for the precious gift that is you.
I love you always, Your mother
Folu
Founder Tade Autism centre , Autism Treatment Support initiatives
You can follow Take Autism Centre on Instagram @tadeautism.center
Autism is often portrayed as a mysterious, enigmatic condition—a puzzle that the world is still trying to piece together. But for those who live with autism and those who love them, it is not just a condition; it’s a unique way of experiencing the world, a mind that dances to a different rhythm, sees in patterns, and speaks through actions rather than words. This is especially true for my son, Akintade, a 28-year-old who is non verbal, yet his mind communicates in ways that leave us in awe.
A Puzzle Master with a Brilliant Mind
Akintade has a talent that can only be described as extraordinary. He is a master of puzzles, not just in the figurative sense but literally. He can solve thousands of puzzles in a matter of minutes, piecing together images, colors, and shapes with an ease that most of us can only dream of. Watching him work is like witnessing a form of magic—each piece falling into place as if guided by an unseen hand.
It’s more than just a skill; it’s a window into how his brain is wired. For Akintade, puzzles are not just a game; they are a language, a way of expressing thoughts and ideas that he cannot convey with words. It’s as though the pieces he connects are reflections of his thoughts, laid out on the table for the world to see.
The Human GPS: A Mind that Maps
One of Akintade’s most astonishing abilities is his uncanny sense of location. Imagine walking through a massive car park, vehicles scattered everywhere, and within minutes, Akintade can pinpoint exactly where a particular car is parked. This ability is not a fluke or a party trick; it is a demonstration of his extraordinary memory and spatial awareness.
This skill harkens back to when Akintade was just over six months old. Even then, he demonstrated an almost superhuman ability to remember where he had left his toys. Days could pass, but when he wanted that toy again, he would go straight to the exact spot where he had left it. It was as though his mind mapped the world around him with such precision that nothing ever got lost.
Autism: The Brain Unwasted
The term “brain wasted” is often thrown around when discussing individuals with autism, especially those who are non-verbal. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Akintade’s brain is anything but wasted; it is a reservoir of untapped potential, a vessel for talents and abilities that defy conventional understanding.
Autism does not diminish intelligence or worth; it redirects it, molds it into different forms that can be just as beautiful, just as powerful, and just as meaningful as the typical paths. Akintade’s abilities remind us that intelligence is not one-dimensional. It is not solely defined by speech or traditional learning; it is a spectrum of capabilities, each shining in its own light.
Embracing the Spectrum
As a society, it’s time we expand our understanding of what it means to be intelligent, to be talented, to be human. Akintade’s story is one of many that highlights the beauty of neurodiversity—the idea that variations in the human brain are not deficiencies, but rather different ways of seeing and interacting with the world.
For parents, caregivers, and anyone who loves someone with autism, the journey is not always easy. There are challenges, moments of frustration, and times when the world feels isolating. But there are also moments of pure wonder, like watching your son solve a puzzle in seconds or marvel at how he can find a car in a sea of vehicles without breaking a sweat.
Autism is not a brain wasted; it’s a brain differently used. And in that difference, there is beauty, there is brilliance, and there is the undeniable truth that every mind, no matter how it functions, has the potential to contribute something extraordinary to the world.
A Call to Action
Let Akintade’s story serve as a reminder to look beyond the conventional, to appreciate the hidden talents that might not be immediately visible, and to celebrate the incredible abilities that individuals with autism bring to the table. Their contributions are not lesser; they are just different, and often, those differences are what make the world a richer, more vibrant place.
If you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, I encourage you to foster the unique talents of individuals with autism. Advocate for their inclusion in every aspect of life and support research and initiatives that seek to understand and celebrate neurodiversity.
Let’s share these stories and challenge the outdated notion of “brain wasted.” Together, we can build a world that values every mind, every talent, and every individual for the unique contributions they bring to our world. One day, I will share Akintade’s story, it’s bound to be mind-blowing! Watch this page!
