On this page, you can find the support available to you if you have a learning disability, are autistic, or both – at any age, in south east London.

What is a learning disability?

Two friends sitting outside and laughing at their phonesA learning disability is:

  • When someone finds it hard to understand new or complicated information
  • When they need extra help to do everyday things on their own
  • And when this started before they became an adult

It’s a lifelong condition.
It’s not the same as a learning difficulty like dyslexia.

People with a learning disability may learn and understand things in a different way.
Some people need a little help. Others may need a lot more support.

What is autism?

Autistic people may see, feel or respond to the world in a different way to others.

There are many traits linked to being autistic, and no two autistic people are the same.

Not everyone will relate to all the traits listed below. Someone who is autistic might:

  • prefer routine or sameness
  • experience sensory differences
  • enjoy focused, intense interests
  • have support needs
  • communicate differently
  • have delayed or no speech
  • stim to express emotion

Click here to learn more.

Services

In south east London, there are services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability, autism or both:

Each borough in south east London has a local offer. This includes services and resources for children, young people and adults aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs.

Click the name of your borough below to view the local offer:

Dynamic Support Register (DSR)

The DSR is a list of people who are autistic or have a learning disability.

It helps health and care services give the right support so people can stay well and live safely at home.

It is not a crisis service.

Click here to learn more and join the register