If your relative does not have severe learning disability

At the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, we support family carers of children and adults with severe learning disabilities who may display behaviour described as challenging. By severe learning disabilities we mean: 

Someone who has little to no verbal communication. They may use a communication aid such as signing, a communication device or PECS symbols. Any verbal communication would be limited to one- or two-word phrases.

Someone who has difficulties learning new skills

Someone who needs full support to complete self-care tasks such as washing, dressing and eating.

Someone who has difficulties with social skills

Someone who will need life-long, full-time care to ensure their wellbeing and safety.

If the individual you are contacting us about does have a severe learning disability, please contact the Family Support Service on 0300 666 0126 or email support@thecbf.org.uk. 

If the individual you are contacting us about does not have a severe learning disability, you may find more relevant support at one of the organisations listed below: 

If your relative does not have a learning disability and for general parenting support

Telephone: 0808 800 2222  Email: askus@familylives.org.uk  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried or upset about any aspect of your family life, FamilyLine is here for you. Free emotional support and guidance on family relationships, conflict, parenting, caring, financial worries and more. Telephone: 0808 802 6666  Email: familyline@family-action.org.uk  

Find answers to parenting questions in advice articles. Or talk to a parenting coach about anything that’s worrying you. It’s all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing. Webchat linked

If your relative has a mild or moderate learning disability

Support for people with mild and moderate learning disabilities and their families. Telephone: 0808 808 1111  Email: helpline@mencap.org.uk  

Support for disabled people and their families. Telephone: 0808 800 3333  Email: helpline@scope.org.uk  

If your relative is autistic

Information for autistic people and their families.

Information for autistic children and young people and their families. Telephone: 020 8815 5444  Telephone: 020 8815 5444  Email: info@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk  

The Child Autism UK helpline is a resource for parents when they first get a diagnosis of autism for their child. Telephone: 01344 882 248  Email: info@childautism.org.uk    

Support for autistic people and their families via local hubs. Find a hub: Linked

If your relative has a neurological condition or brain injury

Support for children with brain conditions and their families. Telephone: 01267 244200  Email: enquiries@cerebra.org.uk    

Support for people affected by brain injury. Telephone: 0808 800 2244  Email: helpline@headway.org.uk    

Support for individuals and families affected by brain injury. Telephone: 0800 612 9660 or 0330 311 2541  Email: enquiries@braininjurygroup.co.uk    

Helping people with all forms of neurological condition to lead longer, healthier, happier lives. Telephone: 0151 298 2999  Contact form: Linked

If your relative has a genetic condition

Provides support, information and networking to families affected by rare chromosone and gene disorders. Telephone: 01883 723 356  Email: help@rarechromo.org  

If your relative has ADHD

Provide people-friendly information and resources about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder to anyone who needs assistance. Telephone: 020 8952 2800  Email: info@addiss.co.uk  

An integrated health and education service. Telephone: 0151 541 9020  Email: info@adhdfoundation.org.uk 

 Information for a carer, young person/adult with ADHD or professional.

Building better futures for children with ADHD.

If your relative is experiencing mental health issues

Provides information, support, campaigns and services for people with mental health problems. Telephone: 0300 123 3393  Email: info@mind.org.uk  

Offers help and advice for young people, parents and professionals on mental health issues. Telephone: 0808 802 5544   Webchat: Linked

Offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. Telephone: 116 123  Email: jo@samariatans.org  

(Supports people with learning disabilities, autism or both, who have experienced trauma)   Telephone: 020 7383 0700  Email: admin@respond.org.uk  

If you need support with challenging behaviours

Supports parents and professionals to reduce anxiety led difficult and dangerous behaviours in children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.

If you need education support or your child is unable to attend school

Provides free and independent legal information, advice and support to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Telephone: 0300 222 5899 

 Free and impartial information, advice and support for the families of children and young people with disabilities or special educational needs.

National parent carer led peer support organisation.

 A resource for families with children experiencing school attendance barriers.

Legal advice and information on child, family and education law for parents, carers and young people in England from Coram Children’s Legal Centre. Education Line: 0300 330 5485  Contact form (Education Law): Linked

If you are looking for support for yourself or your relative's sibling

UK wide charity that supports, connects and empowers families with disabled children. Telephone: 0808 808 3555  Email: info@contact.org.uk  

For unpaid carers with expert information, advice and support, and also campaign to make life better for carers. Telephone: 0808 808 7777  Email: advice@carersuk.org  

For brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults. Contact form: Linked

If you are looking for support around toilet training or soiling

A charity supporting all children and teenagers with a bowel or bladder problem. Telephone: 0808 169 9949 

To improve awareness and find solutions to bladder and bowel problems across the nation. Telephone: 0161 214 4591  Online form: Linked