How to Get an EHCP for My
Autistic Child in London
A clear, honest, step by step guide for parents navigating the Education, Health and Care Plan process for the first time.
If you are a parent of an autistic child in London and you have heard the words "EHCP" or "Education, Health and Care Plan" for the first time, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The process involves legal timelines, local authority decisions, professional assessments, and paperwork, and it can feel like a system designed for professionals rather than parents who are simply trying to get the right support for their child.
This guide is written for you. It walks through every step of the EHCP process in plain language, explains what to expect and when, and gives you the practical tools to advocate confidently for your child.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes your child's special educational needs, the support they require, and the outcomes you want them to achieve. Once issued, the local authority is legally required to provide the support described in it. For families of autistic children, an EHCP can be the gateway to specialist provision, additional funding, and tailored support in school that would otherwise not be available.
Who Can Apply for an EHCP?
Any parent or carer of a child or young person aged 0 to 25 can request an EHCP assessment. Your child does not need a formal autism diagnosis to apply. What matters is evidence that your child has significant special educational needs that cannot be met through the support a school normally provides.
The school can also make the request on your behalf, and so can a professional who is working with your child, such as a speech and language therapist or a paediatrician, though they will need your permission to do so.
The legal threshold to request an EHCP assessment is deliberately low. You do not need to prove that your child will definitely get an EHCP. You only need to make a reasonable case that an assessment is warranted. Many parents hold back from applying because they are not sure their child "qualifies." Do not wait. The worst that can happen is the local authority declines to assess, and you can challenge that decision.
The EHCP Process: Step by Step
The full process from your initial request to receiving the final plan should take no longer than 20 weeks by law. Here is what happens at each stage.
Your letter should explain who your child is, what their needs are, what support is already in place, and why you believe an EHC Needs Assessment is needed. You do not need to use legal language. Clear and specific is better than formal and vague.
If they agree to assess, the assessment process begins. The local authority will contact professionals involved with your child, including the school, any health professionals, and any therapists, and ask them to contribute reports.
As a parent, your voice is central to this assessment. You will be asked to share your perspective on your child's needs, what a good day looks like, what a difficult day looks like, and what you want for your child's future. Your child's own views also need to be included, even if they are non-verbal.
You know your child better than any professional who meets them for an hour. Your evidence matters. Your voice matters. Do not underestimate either.
You can also use this stage to name the specific school you want for your child, whether that is a mainstream school, a specialist school, or an independent specialist school. The local authority must consult with your named school and the school has 15 days to respond.
The EHCP is reviewed annually, and for children under 5 every 6 months. These reviews are opportunities to update the plan as your child grows and their needs change. You can request an emergency review at any time if your child's needs change significantly.
The Full 20-Week Timeline at a Glance
What Evidence Should You Gather?
The strength of your EHCP application depends significantly on the quality and specificity of the evidence you provide. Here is what to gather before you submit your request.
- School reports and any written records of support already in place, including Individual Education Plans or Support Plans
- Reports from any professionals already involved, including paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or ABA therapists
- A one-page profile of your child covering their strengths, what a good day looks like, what a difficult day looks like, and what they need adults to understand about them
- Your child's own views in whatever form works for them, drawings, photos, written statements, or a short video
- A Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) if your child has significant behaviour needs, as this provides the kind of detailed, evidence-based analysis that carries considerable weight in EHCP decisions
- Any previous assessments or observations, including those from nursery or early years settings
- Written records of conversations with the school about your child's needs and the support that has been tried
A Functional Behaviour Assessment carried out by a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst provides a detailed, evidence-based analysis of your child's behaviour, identifying the function and meaning behind each behaviour and recommending specific, individualised support strategies. This type of report is highly valued by local authorities and EHC assessors because it goes well beyond general observation and provides clear, actionable recommendations for provision. If your child's behaviour is one of the reasons you are pursuing an EHCP, an FBA can be one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you include.
Practical Tips for London Parents
Keep a written record of everything
From the moment you begin the EHCP process, keep a dated log of every conversation you have with the school and local authority. Note who you spoke to, what was said, and what was agreed. If a meeting takes place, follow up with an email summarising the key points. This written record can be invaluable if there are disputes or delays.
Know your rights and the legal deadlines
The 20-week timeline is not a guideline. It is a legal requirement. If your local authority misses any of the deadlines, they are in breach of their legal duty. You can formally complain to the local authority and ultimately to the Local Government Ombudsman if deadlines are not met.
Connect with other London SEND parents
Parent-led networks are one of the most valuable sources of practical information about how specific London boroughs operate. Search for your borough's SEND parent forum or contact your local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service), which provides free, impartial advice and is available in every London borough.
Do not be discouraged by a first refusal
Many families receive a refusal at the first assessment stage. This is not necessarily a reflection of your child's needs. It sometimes reflects the local authority's funding pressures. The appeal process exists precisely for these situations and a significant number of appeals are successful.
IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) provides free independent legal advice on SEND law, including EHCP applications and appeals. SOS SEN (sossen.org.uk) offers a helpline and resources for families navigating the SEND system. Your borough's SENDIASS service provides free local support and can attend meetings with you. The SEND Code of Practice (available on gov.uk) is the statutory guidance that governs the entire EHCP process.
How ABA Therapy Relates to the EHCP
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy is increasingly recognised within the EHCP framework as an effective, evidence-based approach for autistic children. If your child is already receiving ABA therapy or you believe ABA provision would benefit them, this can and should be referenced in your EHCP application and in the plan itself.
Section F of the EHCP describes the educational provision your child will receive. If ABA therapy is specified in Section F, the local authority is legally required to fund and provide it. This is why it is so important that Section F is written specifically rather than vaguely, naming ABA therapy, the number of hours per week, the qualifications of the practitioner, and the specific goals to be addressed.
At All Behaviour Consultancy, we regularly support families through the EHCP process, including carrying out Functional Behaviour Assessments that form part of the evidence base, providing written reports for EHC Needs Assessments, and advising families on how to ensure ABA provision is correctly specified in Section F of the final plan.
Would you like support with your child's EHCP?
Our Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts support families throughout the EHCP process, from carrying out Functional Behaviour Assessments to helping you understand what to look for in a draft plan. Book a free 20-minute consultation to talk through your child's situation with one of our BCBAs.
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