Autism Network Scotland works with charities and organisations based around Scotland to bring you information, news, resources and support from across the country.

Alliance

The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (The ALLIANCE) vision is for a Scotland where people of all ages who are disabled or living with long term conditions, and unpaid carers, have a strong voice and enjoy their right to live well.

The ALLIANCE is the national third sector health and social care intermediary.  It brings together nearly 300 organisations and individuals to ensure the voice of people and unpaid carers, and the expertise of the third sector, are influential in shaping policy and practice.  Members include large, national support providers as well as small, local volunteer-led groups.

Telephone: 0141 404 0231

Alliance can also be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter.

ARGH (Autism Rights Group Highland)

ARGH (Autism Rights Group Highland) is a group run by and for autistic adults. ARGH members are all people who have an Autistic spectrum condition.

Membership is currently free (but donations are welcome).

ARGH Meetings are only open to members except by agreement of the management committee. You do not have to attend meetings if you are a member.

ARGH is a collective advocacy, lobbying and campaigning group of autistic adults living in the Highlands and beyond.

ARGH promote self advocacy for all Autistic people

ARGH works localy and nationaly, we work in partnership with the Scottish Government by being members of the Autism Reference Group and its sub groups. We are also stakeholders for Nice guidelines relevent to autistic people.

For more information on membership and meeting details please email: [email protected]

Association for Real Change (ARC)

Association for Real Change is a membership organisation, which supports providers of services to people with a learning disability.

It provides a range of services such as high quality information, networking opportunities, learning disability training and publications, and Disclosure checks.

Association for Real Change is committed to promoting best practice within the learning disability sector and works with others such as the Department of Health, Skills for Care, and Big Lottery Fund through a range of projects.

Association for Real Change works in England, Northern IrelandScotland and Wales.

You can contact the Autism Resource Centre by emailing [email protected]

Auticulture Network

Auticulture Network was formed in 2015 for and by autistic adults (18+) who find that connecting with nature provides a retreat from the pressures of life and an outlet for their creativity. With two easily accessible sites for gardening now established in Glasgow and more in the planning stages, there is ample opportunity to use the spaces for relaxation or just to enjoy the fresh air and exercise at your own pace. Choose to participate in communal tasks or take up a personal project, when space alone is needed – the choice is always yours.

Links with nature are many, providing plenty of opportunity for each person to develop their own interests, learn new skills and discover talents previously untapped, in pleasant, supportive settings. Often, members create their own additional activities such hiking or cooking together and we have regular activities and collaborations with other organisations, should you wish to meet new people too.

The Network keeps its groups small and asks members to confirm attendance for this reason and so it can advise who will be present should this be important to anyone. For example, new members may ask to bring along a support worker for their first visit, so it is ensured no one else is affected by this beforehand.

Each of the sites has good facilities and shelter. The Auticulture Network’s mindfulness sessions have proved popular enough for these to continue on a regular basis. Membership is free and they invite you to come along and create a space of your own. “You’ll probably surprise yourself.”

You can find out more about the Auticulture Network and make contact at www.auticulture.net

Twitter: @Auticulture

Facebook: www.facebook.com/auticulturenetwork

Autism Argyll

Autism Argyll was formed in August 2000 by a small group of parents to provide support and information to parents, carers and people working with those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) living in Argyll and Bute. Families affected by ASD can feel very isolated and this can be heightened by living in a rural area.

From the initial group of nine parents, the group now has over 170 members throughout Argyll & Bute and beyond.

We are a local organisation involved in national strategies.

Autism Argyll provides the following:-

  • Eclectic unbiased information on ASD and relevant   disability related issues.
  • Impartial and confidential telephone support.
  • A range of  ASD specific talks and training.
  • A specialist library of books and videos.
  • Regular newsletters.

Autism Argyll aims to work in partnership with Social Services, Education and Health in order to provide better services for people with ASD and their families.

Autism Argyll aims to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders within the general population and to promote education and training in autism for parents and professionals within Argyll and Bute.

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: Maureen Mackintosh, Coordinator, 01546 600004

Autism Awareness Association (Triple A)

Triple A are a group of young people with Autism who set up and run their own organisation.  The group came together 7 years ago as a peer support/social group and recently became a constituted charitable organisation.

The members have set up and mentor other social groups from under 18 to adult groups with a focus on film making and web media.  The use of these technologies and techniques give the group a voice to spread awareness of autism and also develop their media skills.  Due to these abilities Triple A members are now developing a social enterprise by offering filmmaking and media services along with autism consultation and public speaking at conferences.  Check out our News & Events page to see what we’ve been up to and who we have been working with.

For more information please email [email protected] or find us on Facebook.

Autism Initiatives

Autism Initiatives is a parent-led charity providing direct support to people with autism across Scotland since 2004. We provide personal, professional and innovative services and our reputation is for flexible, high quality services.

We currently provide Supported Living, Residential, Outreach and Occupational Services and our ‘One Stop Shops’ deliver information and advice services. Our Social Enterprise developments are at the forefront of creating employment opportunities and experiences for people with autism.

Autism Initiatives believes that everyone with autism can learn and develop throughout their life and we support this every single day.

You can contact Autism initiatives by emailing [email protected]

Autism Self-Direct (ASD)

The ASD Self-Directed Support project is the development of a single referral point for anyone who is looking for an autistic specific self-directed support service.

The project aims to enable better life outcomes for individuals with ASD and their families by offering accessible information and support throughout the planning and decision-making stages of the SDS process. The information available will be about SDS and individualised autism specific services.

The project has been established by a grant from the Scottish Government’s SDS strategy fund and is a partnership project between The National Autistic Society ScotlandAutism Initiatives and Scottish Autism.

The project will offer advice and support to anyone on the autism spectrum looking to direct their own support, whether it be support received from one of the partnership charities or another organisation.

Befriend A Child

BAC-Portrait-Logo

Befriend a Child are an independent, Aberdeen-based charity - and Scotland’s oldest befriending service for disadvantaged and vulnerable children - focused on providing support to young people across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

The children that Befriend a Child supports are all aged 4-16 and often come from troubled family backgrounds of parental drug and alcohol abuse, neglect and inconsistent parenting. Many have never travelled in a car, have no concept of how to eat with a knife and fork and have no idea what lies beyond the city boundaries.

Telephone: 01224 210060
Website: www.befriendachild.org.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
You can also find Befriend A Child on Facebook and Twitter.

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS)

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) aims to support everyone in the Scottish Borders area, including Dumfries and Berwick-upon-Tweed, who has an interest in Asperger syndrome, Autism, and Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC). That may be an individual who has any of the conditions on the ‘Spectrum’, their partners, their parents, their family, friends, employers, neighbours…ANYONE and EVERYONE.

A lack of social skills means that there are high expectations from society to behave “normally” in a social setting and to be able to understand metaphors. Because people with autism/Asperger syndrome/ASC can look and behave as others, (most have learned to imitate the speech and behaviour of their peers), they are expected to be in full control of their actions and understand the implications and consequences of their behaviours.

Asperger’s and Autism are life-long and cover a broad spectrum of abilities.

Misunderstandings by society can make parents feel they have ‘problem’ children as they often behave differently from others. This can result in the families feeling ostracised by their communities, which in turn can cause feelings of rejections and loneliness. BAAGS aims to offer support, friendship, advocacy and a listening ear to anyone who feels in need.

The distance involved for people to share their worries over a coffee can pose a problem. Have a child/person with Asperger syndrome/autism is a very isolating feeling, but to also live in almost isolation, for example a farmhouse with no neighbours, can be soul destroying, and the family can feel that they have no-one to turn to. BAAGS provide support for those families, people on the spectrum and anyone else with an interest in the disorder.

For more information please contact [email protected]

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people inScotland experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. We are here in times of difficulty to provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information.

Breathing Space handles more than 6000 calls each month and is a COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) recognised counselling skills organisation. Because many people suffering from low mood feel particularly bad in the evenings, the lines are open 6pm to 2am (Monday to Thursday) and 24 hours at the weekend (6pm on Friday to Monday 6am).

The service provides a British Sign Language (BSL) webcam option for individuals who are Deaf. For access to the BSL webcam and for more information visit the BSL Service page.

 

For emotional support, talk in confidence with trained advisors by calling 0800 83 85 87.

Website home page: www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk

Email address: [email protected]

This email address is for the sole purpose of ordering Breathing Space materials and requesting information about the Breathing Space service.

If you are having emotional difficulties please speak to someone in confidence by calling Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90

British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)

People with learning disabilities tell us they want the right kind of support so they can make their own choices and decisions about their lives. To make this happen, BILD works to influence policy-makers and campaigns for change, and our services can help organisations improve their services and train and develop their staff to deliver great support.

www.bild.org.uk

Care Inspectorate - the Hub

The Care Inspectorate’s role is to protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in society. Almost every person in Scotland will use a care service at some stage in their lives. Our job is to help those services be as good as they can be.

Launched recently by the Care Inspectorate, The Hub provides ‘one-stop-shop’ access to a range of resources aimed at supporting improvement in the social care and social work sectors through the use and sharing of intelligence and research-led practice.  Visit the Hub website here to find out more.

You can also find out more about the Care Inspectorate here.

Contact them by email at: [email protected]

Ceartas

A-Spire: Speaking from the Spectrum is Ceartas’ newest membership group and is open to anyone over 16 who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and lives within the East Dunbartonshire area.

The A-Spire group meets on a monthly basis and gives members the opportunity to share experiences and develop new skills and friendships. Ceartas are committed to ensuring the group creates an accepting and understanding environment where members can relax and enjoy mixing with their peers and taking part in a range of interesting activities.

So far the group have taken part in activities including hosting movie events, going bowling and going out for a meal together. The A-Spire group are currently developing a range of exciting plans for 2014 including attending Autism Conferences and having a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament.

As well as providing a fun and supportive environment A-Spire gives members a chance to be involved in developing services and raising awareness in the local community and beyond.

The A-Spire group normally meets at Ceartas offices in Kirkintilloch on the third Thursday of the month, between 12:30 and 2:30 and a light lunch is also provided. A-Spire is completely free to attend.

The aims of A-Spire are:

  • To increase access to Ceartas Advocacy services.
  • To improve the social and emotional well-being of members and encourage their inclusion in the community.
  • To encourage members to discuss issues relating to Autism in an understanding environment.

To give people the opportunity to develop friendships and raise awareness.

If you have any questions regarding the A-Spire group please do not hesitate to contact Ewan Roy or Andy Williams on 0141 775 0433, or email [email protected]

You can also find them on Facebook.

Children in the Highlands Information Point (CHIP+)

CHIP+ provides information, support and advice to parents and carers of children with additional support needs and the professionals that work with them.

In so doing, we do not specialise in any particular area of disability such as ASD.  However, together with the National Autistic Society we do  run a very successful Drop In Session at The Pines, Inverness for families that have children with ASD.

You can contact CHIP+ by emailing [email protected]

ELAS (Edinburgh & Lothian Asperger Society)

ELAS is an independent social and mutual support group for adults aged 18 and over with diagnosed or suspected Asperger Syndrome or who are on the autistic spectrum. Though based in Edinburgh, people from outside the area are welcome to attend both the monthly formal meeting and the informal social.

The group is led by autistic people and includes an elected chairperson, treasurer and secretary. Membership is free and open to any autistic person, either formally diagnosed or not, or non-autistic allies such as parents or partners of autistic people or professional people who work with autistic people.

Find out more about ELAS by visiting their website or by emailing Maurice Frank

Equal Say Advocacy


Equal Say Advocacy
has recently employed an Autism Advocacy Coordinator. This post was created to provide independent advocacy specifically for adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Independent advocacy can strengthen the capacity of people to develop solutions to their problems and to be active participants in tackling issues.  Advocates can also take up a case on a person’s behalf and help them put their views across. It can also help Services to obtain an unbiased opinion from people with autism.

Heather McCutcheon, the Autism Advocacy Coordinator, is currently working with several organisations and their clients to publicise the new service.  Heather also attends the Autism Working Group and helps to represent the views of individuals with an ASC. In addition, she hosts fortnightly drop-in sessions at the Autism Resource Centre.

Anyone can make a referral (this can be confidential) to Equal Say on behalf of someone who has an ASC. Contact:

Heather McCutcheon
Autism Advocacy Coordinator

Equal Say Advocacy
11-13 Dowanhill Street
GLASGOW
G11 5QS
Tel: 0141 337 3133
Mob: 07720 742111
Email:  [email protected]

Falkland House School

Falkland House School in Fife specialises in the education of boys who require additional learning support. As the first independent school in Scotland to be awarded Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society, we provide special integrated education to boys with ASD, as well as those with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome.

 

Established 30 years ago, Falkland House has a reputation for excellence, quality and achieving positive results. We provide residential and day places to boys from early primary age through to 18 years old, taking referrals from all regions in Scotland and the UK. The school offers day, 39 week and 52 week placements to cater for as many different circumstances as possible. At Falkland House School children are valued and supported to become Successful Learners, Effective Contributors, Confident Individuals and Responsible Citizens.

 

Most recently Falkland House have developed seminar series for practitioners.

 

For more information on Falkland House please call  01337 857 268  email [email protected] or visit their website.

Glasgow Autism Meet-Up 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 is 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 is 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, or are the parent or carer of an individual on the spectrum.

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 is either meeting in a coffee shop environment or within a bar. There have also recently been meetups to 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-to-gethers to offer a more diverse range of locations and pursuits. Fresh input is very welcome!

Join the group for free!

HOPE for Autism in North Lanarkshire

HOPE for Autism is a charity that offers pre and post-diagnostic support to families living within North Lanarkshire. Our Autism Support Services includes one-to-one support appointments, training, outreach services, monthly support group meetings, advocacy, a lending library and a private member’s Facebook page.  Our trained staff and volunteers run social groups and sport’s activities for children and young people aged 2 to 25 years old.  Each year we develop an Easter and Summer programme for our families during the school break.

 

For more information contact 01236 779191 or email [email protected].

IntoWork

Intowork provides a supported employment service to residents of Edinburgh and the Lothians facing significant barriers in taking up and maintaining employment.

We specialise in supporting people who have Autism Spectrum Conditions including Asperger Syndrome, and we also support people with an Acquired Brain Injury, a Learning Disability or Mental Health issues. The support we provide is flexible and tailored according to individual needs, enabling people to discover and achieve their employment goals.

IntoWork can be contacted at [email protected]

IWORK4ME

IWORK4ME is a Scottish Charity working to provide specialised support to people with significant disadvantages, who have difficulty in accessing mainstream self employment assistance. This is achieved through information and advice services, promoting the benefits of self-employment as well as providing support projects. In particular, the charity has a focus on autism spectrum conditions (ASC).

IWORK4ME believes that self employment is an appropriate occupational outcome for many who would not have considered this as a possibility. Furthermore we seek to develop the understanding of what makes good practice and innovation in supported self employment.

Contact IWORK4ME or find them on Facebook.

KEY Community Supports

KEY and, their subsidiary organisation, Community Lifestyles have over 30 years experience in supporting people with autism to lead full, active lives.  They currently support 260 adults and young people with autism across Scotland and have a strong reputation for designing personalised supports for people with complex needs.

 

The support they offer is designed and delivered around what’s important to the person and their family, and can include support to:

  • Develop daily living skills
  • Keep well, healthy and safe
  • Take part in activities which are meaningful to the person’s outcomes
  • Create opportunities for meeting people and developing relationships
  • Develop life skills, build confidence and try new things
  • Identify and take part in education, vocational training, volunteering and work opportunities
  • Enjoy a short break away from home.

 

Their approach is underpinned by 3 crucial factors:

  1. Person-centred, outcome-focused planning
  2. Committed, skilled staff
  3. Active involvement of the person, their family and other people important to them in all aspects of their support planning and delivery.

 

If you would like any further information about their work or you would like to talk to them about how they could support you or a member of your family, you can reach them on 0141 342 1890 or [email protected] and they will arrange for one of their local Managers to come and meet with you to discuss your requirements.

You can find KEY online at www.keycommunitysupports.org

National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland)

The National Autistic Society Scotland (NAS Scotland) is part of the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.

They provide:

  • information, advice, advocacy, befriending, training and support for individuals and their families
  • information and training for health, education and other professionals working with people with autism and their families
  • specialist supported living, outreach and day services for adults
  • specialist schools and education outreach services for children
  • employment training and support and social programmes for adults with autism
  • The Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104

For more information please contact [email protected]

NHS Living Life

NHS Living Life is a free telephone service available to anyone in Scotland over 16 suffering low mood, mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. The service can help individuals understand some of the reasons why they are feeling low, address negative patterns of thinking and can teach new ways of coping.

Living Life offers two types of telephone support:

1. Living Life Guided Self-Help – guided telephone support with a Self-Help Coach over 6-8 weeks

2. Living Life CBT – specialist support with a fully trained Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Therapist over 6-9 telephone sessions.

You can access the service by phoning the number directly on 0800 328 9655 or through a GP referral. After contacting the service, a questionnaire is sent for completion and return. Arrangements are then made to call and discuss the support best suited to your needs. Callers are then assigned to Living Life Guided Self-Help, Living Life CBT, or signposted to a more appropriate type of support.

 

Website home page.

To find out more call 0800 328 9655.

One Scotland

One Scotland believes in equality for all. One Scotland celebrates the progress we’ve already made on equality whilst recognising the work still to be done to achieve a truly inclusive society.

One Scotland embodies the inclusive society we want in Scotland, where equality and human rights are respected and every individual and minority group feels valued.

Despite the great progress made to date, discrimination and prejudice do still exist in Scotland. The Scottish Government continues to work hard to promote equality in Scotland, realising the full potential of human rights in all areas of life.

Find out more by visiting the One Scotland website.

Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder Adults (PASDA)

PASDA provide information and support to unpaid family carers who are supporting an adult (over-16) on the autism spectrum in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We provide support through the following activities:

  • One to one advice
  • Information sessions on autism and related issues
  • Signposting to other statutory and voluntary services
  • Peer support groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians
  • Updates on service developments in your local area via our newsletter, email, Facebook and Twitter
  • Contact with other families through our peer support network, PASDA Connect.

To make an initial appointment with us, please contact: [email protected] 0131 220 1075

Please see our website for further information about what we do: www.pasda.org.uk

Princess Royal Trust Lanarkshire Carers Centre (PRTLCC)

Princess Royal Trust Lanarkshire Carers Centre provides support to carers who, without payment, give help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage without their help because of frailty, illness, disability, mental health issues or substance misuse. The Centre is an independent voluntary sector organisation managed by a Board of Directors comprising mainly of carers and former carers. Our Opening Times are Mon, Tues, Thursday and Friday from 9 am till 4.30 pm and a Wednesday from 9 am till 6.30 pm. The services we provide are one to one support, training, information, Bi-lingual support, holistic and beauty treatments. Open referral system.

Contact Details:                01698 428090

[email protected]

www.prtlcc.org.uk

Project Ability

Project Ability is a Glasgow-based visual arts organisation with an international reputation for excellence.  We create opportunities for people with disabilities and people with mental health issues, aged 5 years to 80 plus, to express themselves and achieve artistic excellence. We work in partnership with people with disabilities and their support agencies across the UK and develop local, national and international arts projects, creating opportunities for people to network, share their practice and exhibit their work.

You can find out more by emailing [email protected]

Pyramid Educational Consultants (PECS)

Pyramid Educational Consultants are the only official training provider of The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the Pyramid Approach in the UK and Ireland. We provide exceptional training and in-house support for communication, functional skill development and behavioural issues.

We aim to support families and professionals to improve the skills and lives of people with communication difficulties. First established in the US in 1992 by Andy Bondy, PhD, and Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, the UK base opened in Brighton in 1998 to support developments in the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Quarriers

In over 85 projects at more than 120 sites in Scotland and England, Quarriers provides practical support and care for children, adults and families affected by autism. We work side by side with people to deliver positive outcomes for the people we support.

Quarriers staff are committed to getting things done in a professional and positive way, and to ensuring that the people get the most out of life regardless of the difficulties they face.

We currently support over 100 children and adults with autism some of those with complex needs throughout a range of service models i.e. short breaks, care homes, supported living and housing support.

Please call 01505 616010 for more detailed information.

www.quarriers.org.uk

REACH Lanarkshire Autism

REACH Lanarkshire Autism provide activities for children and young people with a diagnosis of Autism from aged 3-16 years throughout Lanarkshire. They also provide Family Support to families and fun days out for all the family.

Web: www.reachautismgroup.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Richmond Fellowship Scotland

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland is a charity which supports over 2000 people across Scotland with a broad range of needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.

We provide personalised, high-quality community-based support services and work in person-centred ways to offer choice, promote inclusion and maximise ability.

We support over 200 individuals across Scotland with autism spectrum disorders. We are committed to working towards a society where people with autism are accepted and valued by their communities. We recognise the uniqueness of each person with autism and engage them in decision-making about their own service.

We offer many different models of support. Some are designed in a core and cluster model, others are care homes. These offer a blend of individual and shared living spaces. We also provide flexible supported living services to people who live in their own homes and also some drop-in centres.

We also have specialist support measures that we can draw on if someone with autism needs extra support. We also offer training, support and advice to family carers of adults (16 years and above) with autism who have emotional and behavioural challenges through our Positive Pathways training.

For more information please contact [email protected]

 

Scottish Autism

Scottish Autism is a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of people with autism. Established in 1968, we are the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and a leading authority and advocate for good autism practice.

We exist to offer services which go above and beyond providing basic support to achieving goals which focus on improving quality of life. Our range of flexible and innovative services include Supported Living, Day and Vocational opportunities, Outreach, Respite and Transition. We also provide a specialist education service at New Struan School.

Through initiatives such as our Right Click programme, Knowledge Share series, One Stop Shops and our Autism Advice Line (01259 720044), we seek to share our knowledge and expertise to enable parents and carers in Scotland to develop the skills and strategies they need to best support their family.

For more information visit our website or email [email protected]

Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability (SCLD)

SCLD (Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability) is a consortium of partner organisations who work together to

encourage best practice in the support of people with learning disabilities through training, information, research and public education. We work alongside people with learning disabilities and family carers in everything we do. Our goal is an inclusive Scotland where everyone is valued and respected for who they are and what they contribute as equal citizens. Our mission is to work in partnership with people with learning disabilities of all ages and family carers to challenge discrimination and develop and share good practice. SCLD is a Centre of Excellence established as a result of ‘The same as you?’, the review of services for people with learning disabilities. It is funded by The Scottish Government to support people and organisations across Scotland to make ‘The same as you?’ a reality for people with learning disabilities and their families.

‘The same as you?’ was published by the Scottish Government in May 2000. It was the result of listening to people with learning disabilities, family carers and people who plan and provide services and supports. It contains 29 recommendations – things that have to happen to make the lives of people with learning disabilities better. It says that children and people with learning disabilities and their families should be able to have a good life, like anyone else. You can download ‘The same as you?’ as a PDF here…

You can find out more by visiting the SCLD website.

Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability
6th Floor, Merchant Exchange
20 Bell Street
Glasgow
G1 1LG
Tel: 0141 559 5720
Email: [email protected]

Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory

sldoThe Scottish Government has taken action to address the health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities and people with autism by prioritising health and health improvement in both The keys to life, and The Scottish Strategy for Autism. People with autism and people with learning disabilities experience poorer health and die at a much younger age, often from preventable causes, than people in the general population. To support this drive for health improvement the Scottish Government has funded the University of Glasgow to set up a new Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory.

The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory will help to improve understanding of the underlying causes and most effective means of addressing the poor health and health inequalities that people with learning disabilities and people with autism experience. It will do this by collecting and presenting relevant data from different sources in order to make it accessible to people who develop policies and commission supports or services.

Scotland has an excellent track record of facilitating research into population level health that draws on analysis of data taken from our health, social care, education and other public service systems. These large data sets are an excellent source of information that can help to build understanding of the complex relationship between different factors that have an impact on individual health. This information can help policy makers and service planners to target their health improvement programmes to specific communities in order to overcome barriers that can ultimately lead to health inequalities.

The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory team will be working closely with partners in the Scottish Government and alongside organisations like Autism Network Scotland to help ensure that the information we provide is relevant to autism policy and practice. Most importantly they want to make sure that this helps improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and people with autism.

For more information about the new Observatory’s programme of work visit its interactive website.

You can also follow the SLDO on Twitter!

Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE)

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE) exists to promote increased opportunities for employment for disabled people.

It has a network of members who provide specialist employability, and training support, to individuals seeking to gain and retain employment.

SUSE was influential in the development of the Supported Employment Framework for Scotland, and it works to promote good quality evidence-based employability support that will enable people to reach their full potential.

SUSE provides training in good practice in employability; case studies; research; an annual conference (March 21, 2013); links to policy developments; self-directed support project; e-bulletins and regular information meetings for members.

For more information you can contact SUSE by emailing [email protected]

Sense Scotland

Sense Scotland supports children, young people and adults who have communication support needs arising from a range of disabilities.

  • Our vision is for the people we work with to live meaningful and independent lives in a world which supports them to achieve their own ambitions.
  • We can provide support for disabled children, young people and adults at all stages of their lives.
  • We provide support for over 500 disabled people and their families.
  • We have over 1,000 staff and over 200 volunteers across Scotland.
  • Over 330 children young people and adults receive support throughout the day across the country
  • Sense Scotland currently provide 40,000 days of supported living services each year.
  • We work with Scottish Local Authorities across the country.

You can contact Sense Scotland by emailing [email protected]

Strathclyde Autistic Society

Strathclyde Autistic Society is a voluntary run organisation that provides a range of services to individuals and families affected by autism. We work in partnership with many other agencies, in particular the Glasgow City Council led Autism Resource Centre inBridgeton. Specifically our remit entails; the provision of social groups based around common interests and social activities, the provision of community based support on a one-to-one basis, and the provision of advice and guidance specific to autism to families, carers and professionals.

Through our work with the Autism Resource Centre we can provide formalised autism awareness training (mainly for parents, professionals etc), Me, Myself and ASD – a course designed for young people with a diagnosis aged 14 – 25, and a variety of other courses and social activities. We can also ensure individuals with a diagnosis can obtain an Autism Alert Card.

 

Children and Family Services

  • Playscheme – Summer Holidays (6 weeks) and October week. Takes place atMiddlefieldSchool, Hyndland
  • Home Support Service – we provide needs led support to families, giving them much needed respite while the child/family member accesses suitable activities with our fully trained support staff
  • Whale of a Time, Shawlands soft play - last Thursday ofthemonth, 6pm – 7.30pm
  • Scotstoun Leisure Centre – Sports Club for 9 - 15 year olds. Every Thursday

If you have any questions about these services please call Karen Watt on 07989 548377 or Susan Dolan on 07967373092.

 

Teenager and Adult Services

If you have any questions about these services please contact Graham Anderson on 07967373080 or email on [email protected]

 

Contact details

Strathclyde Autistic Society, Centre 81,Clydebank, G81
[email protected]

Susan Dolan (Chairperson) – 07967373092
Graham Anderson (Services Co-ordinator) – 07967373080
Karen Watt (Family Support Worker) – 07989548377
Theresa Parker(Administration)

If your organisation that provides information and support of any kind for people on the autism spectrum in Scotland and is not listed above please email [email protected] or call 0141 444 8146.