# How is autism support different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

> The education support systems in each nation (additional support for learning, additional learning needs, statements) and where to start.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-support-scotland-wales-northern-ireland
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Each UK nation has its own education support system. Scotland uses 'additional support for learning', with a statutory co-ordinated support plan (CSP) for some children. Wales uses 'additional learning needs' (ALN), with individual development plans (IDPs). Northern Ireland uses special educational needs, with statements of SEN for children who need more support. England uses EHCPs.

**Key takeaways**
- **Scotland**: additional support for learning; **co-ordinated support plans** for some.
- **Wales**: additional learning needs; **individual development plans**.
- **Northern Ireland**: SEN framework; **statements** for more complex needs.
- **England**: SEN support and **EHCPs**.

## How does each nation compare?

| Nation | System | Statutory plan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| England | Special educational needs and disability (SEND) | Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) |
| Scotland | Additional support for learning (ASL) | Co-ordinated support plan (CSP) |
| Wales | Additional learning needs (ALN) | Individual development plan (IDP) |
| Northern Ireland | Special educational needs (SEN) | Statement of special educational needs |

## How does Scotland work?

The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 provides the legal framework. Children whose needs are significant, need support from education and another agency, and will last more than a year may have a statutory co-ordinated support plan.[1]

## How does Wales work?

Wales has an additional learning needs system, with individual development plans for children and young people with ALN.[2]

## How does Northern Ireland work?

A statement of special educational needs sets out a child's needs, the support needed and the educational setting, and is reviewed every year.[3]

**Talk to the school first.** In every nation, the school's additional support or SEN lead is a good first contact.

**In England?.** See [What is an EHCP?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-an-ehcp) and [What does SEN support look
  like?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/sen-support-graduated-approach)

Free printable: [Free printable: one-page pupil profile](https://theautismkit.com/printables/pupil-profile.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Find your nation's official guidance
- [ ] Ask school who leads additional support
- [ ] Write a one-page profile for your child

## Common questions

### Is Right to Choose available outside England?

No. Right to Choose is part of the NHS Choice Framework in England.

### Does my child need a diagnosis for support at school?

No. In all four nations, schools should respond to a child's needs, with or without a diagnosis.

### Where do I start for an autism assessment?

In every nation, start with your GP, health visitor or your child's school. Each health board or trust has its own pathway.

## Sources

1. Scottish Government: Additional support for learning. https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/additional-support-for-learning/
2. Welsh Government: Additional learning needs. https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs
3. nidirect: Special educational needs, statements. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/special-educational-needs-statements

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.