YouTube Videos

For Children:

For Older children:

For Girls:

For Parents and Carers

Advice and Guidance

o   They share Autism friendly events and advices on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/eastendcarers/?ref=embed_page

o   Call them for more information concerning support provided and access to Sensory Room

·         North East Carers (if you are in the North and North East area of Glasgow) https://www.gnecarerscentre.com/informationadvice

·         Autism Resource Centre can offer training and support to parents and carers of children with autism.

o   Please contact: SW_Infoarc@sw.glasgow.gov.uk or phone 0141 276 3112 for further information. The ARC can also create an Autism Alert Card, free of charge to adults, children and young people with ASD who reside within Glasgow City area, on completion of a simple two-page form, obtainable from the Autism Resource Centre.

o   The Alert Card carries details of a personal contact who can be contacted for immediate assistance, as well as contact details of the Autism Resource Centre and The National Autistic Society Helpline.

o   The card can be presented in all kinds of situations where communication is difficult for a person who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, or there is the risk that their behaviour might become inappropriate or open to misinterpretation.

Autism Central by NHS England

Autism Central aims to build knowledge and understanding of autism and empower families and carers to advocate for autistic people they support to get the right understanding and adjustments in place across the services they use.     

Commissioned by NHS England and informed by or co-produced with autistic people, parents and carers, the programme offers one-to-one and group sessions complemented by high-quality online learning and information.    

Families and carers can also talk to people with similar experiences by joining workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings or virtual meetups. https://www.autismcentral.org.uk/

The National Autistic Society website

Here is their “what is autism?” page https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

·         From this page https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance you can browse for advice on various topics. So for instance here are their communication tips and tools: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication

·         …their behavioural advice page https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour

·         … on sleep https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep/parents

·         …on eating https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/eating/all-audiences

·         … on toileting https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/toileting/parents (also on this website there is helpful information about constipation and autism: https://eric.org.uk/constipation-and-autism)

·         … on sensory differences https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences as well as the website from NHS GGC the kids website: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids with sensory questionnaire to have an insight on your child’s preferences and “Joining in with Sensory Differences” https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/life-skills/joining-in-with-sensory-differences/

·         … on Social Stories – you can see lots of examples of these here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/search?q=social+stories&c=246&r=parent&fco=14410

Introducing your child to their diagnosis
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/learn-about-autism/getting-started-introducing-your-child-to-his-or-her-diagnosis-of-autism.html

Autism Friendly Activities

For Leisure activities such as going to the cinema, going on holiday, museum, playing sport etc.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/leisure

ENTERTAINMENT

Access Film Club at Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT)

GFT and National Autistic Society created Access Film Club: a screening and post-film discussion in a friendly and welcoming environment

·         The cinema 'house' lights are on before the event begins.

·         An introduction from the Access Film Club host.

·         No adverts or trailers (the film starts at 18.05 after the introduction).

·         The sound levels are turned slightly down. 

·         The stair LED lights remain on throughout.

·         Post-film chat with audience led by AFC host.

·         Tickets are £6.50*

https://www.glasgowfilm.org/access-film-club

  • Cineworld hosts autism friendly cinema screenings on the first Sunday of every month at 11 am

  • Vue Cinemas host an autism friendly cinema screening on the last Sunday of every month at 10.15 am

  • Showcase Cinemas have autism friendly screenings on the second Sunday of every month at 10 am

  • ODEON cinemas hosts screenings suitable for those on the autistic spectrum each month at selected cinemas

  • Citizens theatre often runs relaxed performances. With adjustment to light music, and the public can move freely in and out of the theatre as needed

SHOPPING AND FOOD

·  Buchanan Galleries host a quiet hour every Saturday 9 am – 10am. Background Music is switched off and the centre promises a ‘less overwhelming place’

·  St Enoch Centre. Quiet and safe space accessible in centre. Hamleys will support customers where they can, Monday to Friday 9am to 10 am, Sunday 10 am to 11 am by keeping music to a minimum and offering any further assistance needed in store

·  House of Fraser Buchanan Street. Quiet Room, on 3rd floor behind Linea till point

·  Morrisons. Quieter Hour in all Morrisons stores every Saturday from 9 am till 10 am. Designed to help customers who currently struggle with music and other noises associated with supermarket shopping

MUSEUMS

  • Glasgow Science Centre holds monthly autism friendly hours.

Every month staff lower the volume and soften the lights to allow adults and children with autism to enjoy their visit without additional stress. Front of house and science communication staff are fully trained in additional needs service. Also, ear defender and weighted blankets are available should anyone need them.

Riverside Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and St Mungo’s Museum are autism-friendly museums. Visitors can access a sensory visual story board, sensory kits (ear defenders, activity booklet fidget toys) and pre-visit information can be found online about the services for early opening, quiet spaces and family workshops.
SPORTS/LEISURE

o   Soft Play at KelvinHall: all sessions on Wednesday are ASN friendly with reduced capacity and sound levels. Additional sensory toys are available on these days.

o   Sensory bags are available from reception for visitors.

o   Clip n’ Climb can also run with reduced capacity, no music and lower levels of lighting. Book in advance via the Glasgow Club App.
1445 Argyle Street, G3 8AW
https://kelvinhall.org.uk/play-and-climb/soft-play-at-kelvin-hall/

·         Strathclyde Autistic Society (Play days and Playscheme) Weekly and monthly evening play groups in Glasgow for children/young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A playscheme also runs during the summer holidays and October week at Middlefield School, Hyndland and Glasgow. Please contact the Strathclyde Autistic Society for more details.
Centre 81, Braes Avenue, Clydebank, G81 1DP – strathclyde81@yahoo.com

·         Fun Street (Silverburn) – ASN Session Fridays 6 pm – 8pm

·         Sensory Hub Glasgow (Easterhouse Area) creates an environment which is inclusive stimulatingly, safe and inspiring where children with or without additional sensory support needs and their families can feel comfortable, respected and understood.

·         Sensory Adventures (Possilpark area) offers one SEN/ASN Sessions everyday
https://www.sensoryadventures.co.uk/service-page/sen-asn-session?referral=service_list_widget

·         Autisfun (Barmulloch area), group founded by two Mums with autistic children who wanted to create an inclusive playground. The group can be found every Friday at Barmulloch Community Development Company, from 4 pm. They have a Facebook group were you can find their events.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Autisfun-Group/100087288078581/

·         Linn Park Adventure Playground, an indoor and outdoor play centre for children up to 12 years of age with additional support needs and their families. G44 3ST

·         Ibrox Stadium and Celtic Park. Ibrox Stadium opened a sensory box to help children and young adults with sensory difficulties. Celtic Park has a sensory room in the east stand. The club asks that visitors contact them for more information

·         Ability Count Project
Celtic Park created Ability Counts Project Ability Counts Autism is delivered at Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Thursdays from 6 to 8pm. If you would like more information, please contact cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk or call 0141 551 4321. Ability Counts Autism features fun games, soft play, football and dance to engage children with autism, using physical activity and sport to develop social interaction, communication and balance and co-ordination skills.

Buddies Clubs and Services
https://www.buddiesglasgow.org.uk/

o   After School (5 days a week, term time only)

It runs from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. They offer a large range of activities including some trips and outings. Glasgow children who attend specialist provision can access free transport to our service and we offer transport home for those within a reasonable range of the centre. Again placement requires an individual assessment to ensure we can give correct levels of support.
This club runs mainly for aged 5-13 but we cater for seniors up to 19. We can also arrange after college support for young adults please refer to our adult services section.

o   Sunday Club

It meets Sunday afternoons during Term time only. Please note this club does not run over holiday weekends or school breaks. They have two options for Sunday Club - Morning or Afternoon. Our Morning Session runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Our Afternoon sessions runs from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Children and young people who live in the vicinity of our centre can arrange transport to and from the club at a small extra cost. There are a full range of activities available and we encourage everyone to make their own choices and suggestions for things to do within their club.

o   Holiday Play Schemes

For our families the holiday periods are often some of the most stressful times with school closed and no routine or structure available for the many who attend our services.
Of course as our service users grow up we have also had to introduce holiday clubs for our young adults who attend college.
The holiday clubs have 2 weeks at Easter, six at Summer and one week in October. Glasgow City Council not only supports us with a range of grants to support working families but kindly provide transport over these holiday periods. We also receive some support towards the cost of trips and outings.  This means a full range of interesting and exciting trips can be pre-planned and risk assessed to ensure everyone attend the Holiday clubs has a safe and happy time. The Holiday clubs currently run from 10.00am - 2.00pm, with a hope to return to a 3.00pm finish in the future.

Support Groups

For Parents and Carers:

o   Have you recently discovered you are autistic?

o   Have you known for a long time but never had the opportunity to explore what being autistic means for you in a supportive environment with other autistic people?

o   Do you want to connect with other autistic people?

o   Would you like to spend time online with other autistic people, sharing with and learning from each other?

·         Autistic Parents UK, autistic-led charity to support autistic parents with online peer support group (larger and smaller group), monthly webinars and live Q&A sessions etc. https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/

o   Look at their Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/autisticparentsUK/

o   Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autisticparentsukpeersupport/

  • National Autistic Society (NAS)

GLASGOW

·         Parent and carer support group. Monthly at the Whiteinch Centre on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. It is free to attend. This group is only for parents and carers. NASGlasgowBranch@nas.org.uk

NORTH LANARKSHIRE

https://www.facebook.com/NASNorthLanarkshire

  • Coffee Group 16+, every 2nd Thursday of the Month between 2pm-4pm

·         At the Lanterhouse, South Kildrum Ring Road, Cumbernauld G67 2UF

  • Walking Group, last Saturday of the Month at 1.30 pm

·         1 hour walk from Bus stop/turning circle at the roadside, Cumbernauld Village, G67 2ST

  • Online Parents and Carers Group. Look at their Facebook page for the next date! Every last Thursday of the month from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm

SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

Look at their Facebook page for updates

https://www.facebook.com/NASSouthLanarkshire?ref=embed_page

  • Online parent and carer support via Facebook on Zoom

o   Last Tuesday of the month from 7.30 pm

o   https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/south-lanarkshire/events/online-parent-and-carer-support

  • Autism walking group at 10.30 am in Bothwell road Park, Hamilton, followed by coffee at Morrisons. First Saturday of the month. You can bring children.

o   https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/south-lanarkshire/events/walking-group

o   Other walks organised, make sure to look at their Facebook page for updates.

  • Art & Craft Group Online or Face to Face for all ages (children and parents)

o   Online via Zoom from 4.30-6pm last Thursday of the Month

o   Face to Face at 69 Johnstone Drive Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 2QA from 1pm until 2.30 pm

o   Second Saturday of each month

o   Late Afternoon Art and Craft activities organised when looking at their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NASSouthLanarkshire?ref=embed_page

·         Coffee Group, last Wednesday of the Month
From 11.00 am at Limelight café, 8-10 castle street, Hamilton, ML3 6BU

EAST RENFREWSHIRE

https://www.facebook.com/naseastrenfrewshirebranch/

·         Coffee break drop-in. Weekly on Thursday’s 10 am till 12 pm at The Market Place @ Mearns, The Avenue Shopping Centre, G77 6AA

·         Information sessions and workshops which are led by autistic educators and professionals on a variety of topics. Online and in-person. Look on Facebook for next event.

For Older children:

National Autistic Society

·         Online Social groups

We run groups that get together regularly and provide members with opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences. The sessions are facilitated by staff and a team of volunteers, with members deciding where they want to visit and what activities they want to try. 

Our Social Groups are facilitated by staff and offer a place for autistic people to connect and talk about whatever they wish - from film and TV, to cooking, gaming, art, LEGO and other interests. They’re a great way for people to build confidence and make friends.

Free to join, online Social Groups are open to autistic people and families wherever you are in Scotland. There are groups representing different geographical areas, young people, parents, girls and women, LGBT+ individuals, as well as particular interest groups such as ‘Film’ and ‘Quiz’ clubs.

Staff aim to make the sessions fun with virtual tours of famous landmarks, zoos and aquariums, as well as fun activities like quizzes and even making mocktails! The groups often welcome guests from a variety of organisations to engage in fun activities and workshops.

If you are interested in joining a social group, email: ScotlandSocialGroups@nas.org.uk

The groups are open to anyone who is autistic, or suspects they are – you don’t need a formal diagnosis to join our groups. There are no geographical boundaries – you can join if you live in any part of Scotland. If you are aged between 12 and 26 years old, there might be a group for you.

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/scotland/online-social-groups-under-26

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/scotland/scotland-social-groups

Groups are:

Women and Girl’s group (OVER 15 years old): This weekly group brings autistic women and girls from across Scotland together for a chat and a chance to discuss any challenges they face.

LGBT+ Group (OVER 15 yo): it brings autistic LGBT+ people together for a chat and a chance to discuss any challenges they face. Topics have included coming out, journey fears, sexuality throughout history, discrimination, LGBT books, media, film and music. 

Activity group (OVER 15 yo): Our five weekly activity groups are open to autistic people across Scotland. The group members decide what activity they would like to take part in.  So far, they have taken part in online visits to zoos and aquariums throughout the world, a virtual tram ride in San Francisco (with mocktails), transport museum, Titanic ship, Madam Tussauds, Star Wars and Disneyland Park, The Purple Cat Cafe in Glasgow, a tour of a Goat farm, City of Troy and the Paris Catacombs.

Lego (OVER 15 yo): This weekly group brings autistic Lego enthusiasts together to discuss their love of the little plastic brick and the amazing things they have created with them.

Youth group (From 12 to 16 yo): This group meets weekly to take part in a range of activities such as online games and virtual tours. 

Craft Group (OVER 15 you): brings autistic arts and crafts enthusiasts together to work with a guest artist to create their own pieces. 

NAScafe group: This group alternates weekly between music and books. Music discussed so far has included novelty songs, TV commercials, decades, stage show themes, country themes, history of songs, favourite Oscar song winners. The group also choose a book of the month and have written quizzes on their favourite subjects, including Warhammer, gaming, Back to the Future, Pokémon, Disney, Power Rangers, cars, Marvel, ice hockey, American geography and so much more. 

NASQuiz Group (OVER 15 you): brings autistic quizzers together to write quizzes about their favourite subjects and then have a go at them.

Politics Groups (OVER 15 you): brings autistic people with an interest in politics. Topics so far have included American politics, current affairs, Hate Speech Bill, US elections, Labour Party and Scottish elections. The group has also taken virtual tours of the Scottish Parliament and the House of Commons.

Film group (OVER 15 you): this weekly group for autistic film buffs chooses films to watch on Netflix/Amazon and then discuss online.

Gaming group (OVER 15 you): This week group for autistic gamers discuss everything to do with online gaming. Topics have included earliest gaming memories, first consoles, what is everyone playing?, memorable glitches, video game myths, future of gaming and worst game ending.

 Post Diagnostic Support Service

Our Post Diagnostic Support Service is aimed at young people aged 12 to 18 who have received a diagnosis in recent years and is open to anyone residing in Scotland. The project aims to support individuals to understand and embrace their identity as an autistic person through exploring topics such as understanding autism, managing anxiety, developing social communication strategies and much more. Each individual will be supported for approximately 6 weeks, after which they will be signposted to appropriate services. Each group will meet weekly and discuss the topic of the day, as well as engage in a short team-building activity to improve confidence and reduce social isolation. 

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/scotland/post-diagnosis-support-service

·         Art & Craft Group Online or Face to Face for all ages (children and parents) by NAS South Lanarkshire

Online via Zoom from 10.30 until 11.30 OR Face to Face at 69 Johnstone Drive Rutherglen, Glasgow, G73 2QA from 1pm until 2.30 pm

Second Saturday of each month

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/south-lanarkshire/events/south-lanarkshire-branch-arts-and-crafts-group

·         Arts and crafts online branch

First Monday of the month from 7 pm until 8 pm. Members are accepted from anywhere within the UK. Under 18s are welcome to join the branch, however NAS do ask that they are supervised by an adult at all online meetings

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/nas-arts-and-crafts

·         Book Club. A place for Autistic people and their families to share their interest in reading.

https://www.facebook.com/NAS-Book-Club-Online-Branch-109290221465668

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/book-club-online-branch

·         Running club online/ new online branch to chat to fellow autistic runners, find new running buddies, and share your passion for the sport.

https://www.facebook.com/NASRunningOnlineBranch

·         Media Explorers by NAS East Renfrewshire

A term time club for teens offering a variety of opportunities to gain skills in all thing media including, film-making, drama, photography, digital art, blogging, vloggin, DJing, journalism, etc. Young people are also given the opportunity to work towards Youth Scotland awards while attending the club. Spaces are limited, so to express an interest please contact us.

https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/branches/east-renfrewshire/events/media-explorers

·         Nexus and Resource Lending library. Monthly on Wednesday from 6 pm till 7 pm at The Marketplace @ Barrhead, 56 Kelburn St, G78 1LR

·         A safe space to come socialise, meet peers, take part in some activities, make new connections or just enjoy a refreshment and browse or borrow a book from the resource library.

 For Autistic Adults:

Buddies Young and Senior Holiday Club

https://www.buddiesglasgow.org.uk/main-services/adult-services

Our evening adult clubs run on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
The Monday Youth club is male dominated with a range of different activities; from sports activities to cooking activities to relaxed movie nights. We also go small trips in the local community. There are always at least two options on offer and the men themselves have a big influence on the six week planning process promoting life skills and choice.

Wednesday Youth Club night is a mixed group of both males and females. The group enjoys a range of activities from baking and cooking activities to relaxed sensory nights and even the odd karaoke and movie night. There are always at least two options on offer and young people are all involved in planning the kinds of activities they would like in their club.

Senior Holiday Club: Our young people found that on leaving school and going to college there was still nothing to do during college breaks. They therefore started a senior holiday group which caters for 19+ and runs at the same time as the other breaks over Easter, Summer and October. There are trips and outings which are chosen by the group. They also chose different movies and musical events. Again these run from 10.00am -2.00pm currently

The Glasgow Autism Meetup group

https://www.meetup.com/The-Glasgow-Autism-Meetup-Group/

The Glasgow Autism Meetup Group was started up in 2009 through the Meetup.com website by a small group of individuals on the autism spectrum to provide friendship and mutual support to others on the spectrum. It's an informal group which seeks to hold meetups both on week days and at the weekend in which attendees can get together either for chat, discussion or simply just some company. There's absolutely no expectation as to the degree of conversational participation.  Anyone is welcome to join up and come along - whether you have a formal diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition, are awaiting diagnosis, suspect you may be on the spectrum but do not wish to pursue diagnosis. 
The nature and frequency of meetups tend to vary according to the commitments of the organisers - but when a meetup is posted it will always go ahead as advertised, or those attending will be well advised of cancellation/change beforehand.
At present the group meets either in a coffee shop environment or in a bar/restaurant. There have also been meetups at art galleries, museum exhibitions and in milder brighter months walks in the park.
The group is more than open to attendees suggesting new venues and activities for future get-togethers to offer a more diverse range of locations and pursuits. Fresh input is very welcome!
There is no cost to joining the group, and you will find understanding and acceptance whatever your age, or circumstance (as long as you are respectful of other members of course

SWAN for Women over 18

https://swanscotland.org/services-and-events

Face to face social meeting called SWAN Places, in-person social meet-up groups. They are autistic spaces, run by autistic volunteers. These local groups are relaxed and laid-back gatherings for all women and non-binary people who identify as autistic. They are safe and confidential spaces, facilitated by autistic volunteers. There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate. You can share, listen, or simply relax among like-minded peers who understand and support one another.

WHERE: Glasgow Women’s library, 23 Landressy St, Bridgeton, Glasgow

WHEN: 3rd Tuesday of every month, from 1.30 to 3pm

Connections, programme by National Autistic Society

Connections is a programme of support in Scotland aimed at tackling social isolation and loneliness and is open to autistic adults aged 25 to 55.

Autistic people experience communication and sensory differences, which can make forming social relationships and social interaction difficult. In Scotland, 67% of autistic people feel socially isolated, and they are four times more likely to experience chronic loneliness than the general population.

This project will help build connections between autistic adults facing similar transitions, life stages and challenges – such as unemployment and late diagnosis.

There are three groups which meet fortnightly over 12 months:

·         Group 1: for autistic adults aged 25-35, meeting online and in-person in Glasgow area

·         Group 2: for autistic adults aged 35-55, meeting online and in-person in Glasgow area

·         Group 3: for autistic women aged 25-55, meeting online only and open to autistic women across Scotland

Crucially, although trained staff/volunteers will facilitate the groups, members will be empowered to choose activities which they feel are most useful and of interest to them.

This user-led approach will reduce the harms associated with social isolation and loneliness, by building a community where everyone contributes and is valued. Members will be encouraged to showcase their unique strengths and interests, within an environment free of judgement and stigma. They will also support one another to overcome shared challenges and work towards personal goals, with empathy, acceptance and reassurance.

After participating in the programme, members will be signposted onto positive destinations, equipped with greater social strategies, self-confidence, and resilience. For more information about the programme, please email Scotlandsocialgroups@nas.org.uk.