Helpful start once you have a new diagnosis may be to get in touch with Contact a Family which I think is a very good charity organisation
or SCOPE who have a befriending service

Linda

Hi Lindyloo
The befriending service is called face 2 face, I used to be a befriender and have also coordinated a befriending service. Parents who have been supported often say that the service has been hugely beneficial for them as they have been befriended by another parent of a child with additional needs who understands many of their fears and concerns and who has the time to listen to them. Most professionals who have input with families do not have the time available to them to spend with families allowing them to talk through their fears and concerns. This is why face 2 face is a brilliant service. (not that I am biased!) it gives people the time they need in a safe an familiar environment. There is a website if people want to find out more it is www.face2facenetwork.org.uk