Useful information
Where can I find out more?
We have included the following organisations because, on preliminary investigation, they may be of use to the reader. However, we do not have first-hand experience of each organisation and so cannot guarantee the organisation’s integrity. The reader must therefore exercise his or her own discretion and judgement when making further enquiries.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS)
Premier House, 112 Station Road Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7BJ
Tel: 020 8952 2800
Website: www.addiss.co.uk
Offers information about and resources for ADHD and associated conditions to parents, sufferers, teachers and health professionals.
Autistic spectrum disorders
National Autistic Society (NAS)
393 City Road
London EC1V 1NG
Tel: 020 7833 2299
Helpline: 0845 070 4004
Website: www.nas.org.uk
Champions the interests of all people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Offers information and a wide range of support to individuals, their families and professionals working with them. The Centre for Social and Communications Disorders provides a complete diagnostic assessment and advice service throughout the UK and training courses for professionals. A wide range of residential and day services available.
OAASIS
The Croft, Vicars Hill, Boldre
Lymington, Hants SO41 5QB
Helpline 0800 197 3907
Tel: 0800 288 9779
Website: www.oaasis.co.uk
A resource for parents and professionals caring for children with autism/Asperger’s syndrome and other learning disabilities.
PARIS (Public Autism Resource and Information Service)
Online service by NAS offers workshops for parents, seminars and organises care/holiday schemes. Local branches have support groups.
Dyslexia
British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Unit 8, Bracknell Beeches, Old Bracknell Lane
Bracknell RG12 7BW
Tel: 0845 251 9003
Helpline: 0845 251 9002
Website: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Represents people with dyslexia and promotes early identification and support in schools to ensure opportunities to learn for pupils with dyslexia. Offers information and advice to schools and the workplace. Has local groups around the UK.
Dyspraxia
Dyscovery Centre
Felthorpe House, Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road, Caerleon, Newport NP18 3QR
Tel: 01633 432330
Website: www.newport.ac.uk/research/researchcentres
Provides a service with interdisciplinary team helping individuals with living and learning difficulties. Offers assessment, training and education courses for the public and professionals.
All developmental disorders
Aspire Psychologists
10 Harley Street London W1G 9PF
or The Manor Hospital, Oxford OX3 7RP
or The Nuffield Hospital, Cheltenham GL51 6SY
Tel: 01242 574646
Website: www.aspirepsychlogists.co.uk
Educational psychologists in private practice offering assessments for pupils and adults who may show signs of giftedness or general and specific learning difficulties. Provide in-service training for teachers, psychologists, education, and health and social service professionals and parents. Appear as expert witness at educational tribunals and court cases.
Other useful addresses
Benefits Enquiry Line
Tel: 0800 882200
Minicom: 0800 243355
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
N. Ireland: 0800 220674
Government agency giving information and advice on sickness and disability benefits for people with disabilities and their carers.
Carers UK
20 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4LX
Tel: 020 7378 4999
Advice line: 0808 808 7777 (Wed, Thurs 10am–12 noon; 2–4pm)
Website: www.carersuk.org
Offers information, support and advice on the practical, financial and emotional aspects of being a carer through a network of local branches.
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Myddleton House, 115–123 Pentonville Road
London N1 9LZ
Volunteer hotline: 0845 126 4264
Website: www.adviceguide.org.uk
HQ of national charity offering a wide variety of practical, financial and legal advice. Network of local charities throughout the UK listed in phone books and in Yellow Pages under ‘C’.
Clinical Knowledge Summaries
Sowerby Centre for Health Informatics at Newcastle (SCHIN Ltd), Clayton House, Clayton Road, Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TL
Tel: 0845 113 1000
Website: www.schin.co.uk
A website mainly for GPs giving information for patients listed by disease plus named self-help organisations.
NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 4647 (24 hours, 365 days a year)
Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Offers confidential health-care advice, information and referral service. A good first port of call for any health advice.
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn
London WC1V 6NA
Tel: 0845 003 7780
Website: www.nice.org.uk
Provides national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill-health. Patient information leaflets are available for each piece of guidance issued.
Patients’ Association
PO Box 935
Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3YJ
Helpline: 0845 608 4455
Tel: 020 8423 9111
Website: www.patients-association.com
Provides advice on patients’ rights, leaflets and a directory of self-help groups.
Parentlineplus
520 Highgate Studios, 53–79 Highgate Road
Kentish Town, London NW5 1TL
Tel: 020 7284 5500 Helpline: 0808 800 2222 (24 hours a day)
Website: www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Provides general information on its confidential and anonymous telephone helpline and runs parenting courses. Accepts referral via Social Services.
Useful websites
BBC
A helpful website: easy to navigate and offers lots of useful advice and information. Also contains links to other related topics.
Patient UK
Patient care website.
