Fiona's story

Fiona is a parent‑carer for her four‑year‑old son, who is currently on the NHS waiting list for an autism assessment - a process that can now take several years. “The level of need my son requires goes above and beyond what you might expect from a child who doesn’t show autistic traits,” she explains. “Everyday tasks, such as washing his hair, can become overwhelming due to sensory differences and difficulties with transitions.”

Fiona wanted to ensure her son had the right support in place before starting school. “I know he will probably struggle in a few different ways, and early understanding is so important.”

Fiona contacted The Carers’ Centre to apply for a grant so she could take her son for a private needs assessment at Bibic, a specialist centre in Somerset.

Recognising the importance of early intervention and professional documentation, The Carers’ Centre approved the grant. The assessment gave Fiona a full day of observations, written feedback, and a structured plan that the family and her son’s nursery could implement immediately. “I’m so thankful,” she says. “Bibic didn’t diagnose my son - that’s something only the NHS or an official assessment can do - but in the meantime they validated my concerns and gave us a clear, professional plan to follow.”

The plan made a significant difference. It has helped highlight needs that weren’t fully captured before, strengthened Fiona’s voice as a parent, and provided essential evidence for nursery adjustments and future transition funding.