Autistic people-led organisations
AMASE
Autistic Mutual Aid Society Edinburgh (AMASE) is an autistic People's Organisation for autistic adults aged 16+ in Edinburgh, Lothians and Fife. All full members are autistic. Dedicated to help autistic people to make each other’s lives better through community events and peer support, advocacy and education.
ARGH
Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH) is a group run by and for autistic adults in the Highland region, focusing on advocacy and campaigning for better services.
ATLAS
Autism Training Leadership Action Scotland (ATLAS) - based in Glasgow and Renfrewshire area, is an autism-led social enterprise with a training team who want to improve the lives of autistic people through sharing our personal experiences, alongside current research and guidance for good autism practice, to give people a more in-depth understanding of autism.
Autscape
An annual conference designed by and for autistic people. Organised by a non-profit, volunteer-run Autscape Organisation, a UK-registered charity. The environment, content, and schedule are all created to meet the needs, interests, and sensitivities of autistic individuals. The event serves as a retreat, an educational conference, a social gathering, and a place for advocacy and networking. It aims to provide a positive and accepting environment where autistic people can be themselves without having to conform to the expectations of mainstream society. It is also a place for autistic people to communicate and socialise on their own terms.
ELAS
Edinburgh + Lothian Asperger Society (ELAS) is a support and social group for adults over 16 yo with diagnosed or self-identified Asperger's syndrome or autism spectrum conditions. Based in Edinburgh and primarily serves the Edinburgh and Lothians region, but welcomes members from any distance.
PASDA
Parents of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Adults (PASDA) offers support for families of adults with autism in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Access resources, advice, and community connections to help you navigate challenges.
SWAN
Scottish Women's Autism Network (SWAN) is an autistic-led charity delivering services for autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland for & by autistic women, girls and non-binary people.
SEMA
Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) was founded by autistic individuals who have lived experience of being autistic and belonging to ethnic minority communities. SEMA places emphasis on autistic people of colour having power and control over their own futures. They integrate anti-racism and social justice principles into their work and actively involve autistic people in leadership and decision-making roles. SEMA works closely with various community groups, carers, and the Scottish Government to foster better understanding and inclusion of neurodivergence within ethnic minority communities. They organise events, provide resources, and contribute to shaping policies to improve life outcomes for autistic people of colour.
The Glasgow Autism Meetup Group
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. 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. 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.