National Autistic Society Scotland

19/06/2026

17/06/2026

We’re starting to see the impact of our first What’s Next? cohort.

What’s Next? is a two‑and‑a‑half‑year programme designed to support recently diagnosed or self‑identifying autistic adults in Scotland to better understand themselves, improve wellbeing and build connections with others.

Participants take part in a six‑week block of online sessions, exploring their experiences and developing strategies to support their day‑to‑day lives.

Our participants reported:

• 79% said the programme improved their wellbeing

• Confidence in advocating for their needs increased from 2.2 to 3.1 (out of 5)

• Confidence discussing their autism with family and friends increased from 2.7 to 3.4

Participants also reported lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and greater confidence in social situations.

These early results highlight the importance of accessible, evidence‑based support for autistic adults.

Find out more about the programme and register your interest via the link below
👉 https://bit.ly/4dD4Pdt

Inspiring Scotland

What’s Next? is a programme of support designed for recently diagnosed or self-identifying autistic adults who are over the age of 18 and living in Scotland.

12/06/2026

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Runayr and all their runners for completing a remarkable 24‑hour sponsored run, raising over £11,000 for three wonderful charities.

We’re delighted to have been selected as one of their chosen charities and truly appreciate their generous £3,500 donation.

Patsy from our NAS Autism Support Ayrshire went along to Runayr to say thank you. 💜

10/06/2026

As we work towards creating a society that works for autistic people, we are developing a new strategy for Scotland from now until 2030.

To help shape our strategy, we want to hear from autistic people, their families and allies across the country.

This short survey is an opportunity to have your say and help shape our priorities for the coming years. We want to hear your views on what we can do to transform society and ensure people get the support they need.

The survey is anonymous and will remain open until 17 July.

Have your say here 👇
https://bit.ly/3RYziLY

10/06/2026

Our What’s Next? programme helps autistic adults build confidence and better understand themselves.

Over six weeks, participants explore topics such as: understanding autism, masking, executive functioning and more!

The programme is designed and delivered by autistic people, with a focus on shared experiences and peer connection.

Sign up or find out more here:
👉 https://bit.ly/48jHkoS

Inspiring Scotland

What’s Next? is a programme of support designed for recently diagnosed or self-identifying autistic adults who are over the age of 18 and living in Scotland.

09/06/2026

Our Empower Up programme will be staring up again in August!

The programme supports young autistic people aged 12-18 across Scotland. Empower Up is designed to help understand their autistic identity, build confidence, develop social strategies, improve wellbeing and connect with peers to reduce isolation.

The group is open to young autistic people across Scotland, with both hybrid and online options available. Spaces are limited.

Find out more about the programme on our website:
👉 https://bit.ly/4mmJrNA

The National Lottery Community Fund

09/06/2026

As part of the Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, our charity has launched a petition urging the First Minister, John Swinney, to include the LDAN Bill in September’s Programme for Government, which sets out the Government’s key priorities and legislative programme for the coming year.

We need to keep pushing for the urgent change autistic people and their families need in order to access the rights, services and opportunities they are entitled to.

By signing and sharing this petition, you can urge the First Minister to include the LDAN Bill in the Scottish Government's first Programme for Government in September.

Demand change, and sign our petition 👇
https://bit.ly/4utFji7

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

In partnership with National Autistic Society Scotland, GFT delivers the Access Film Club, a monthly relaxed cinema screening in an autism‑friendly environment.

Each session offers a welcoming space to enjoy a film, with the option to stay for a post‑film chat and connect with others.

It is a great way to experience the cinema in a more comfortable and inclusive setting.

📅 Second Monday of every month
⏰ 6pm start

Find out more and book your place via GFT.

🍿 Did you know GFT was the first UK cinema to win the Autism Friendly Award in 2017?

Our Access Film Club, in partnership with National Autistic Society Scotland offers relaxed, autism-friendly screenings plus a post-film chat in a welcoming space.

🗓 Second Monday of every month
⏰ 6pm start

From epic fantasies and comedy classics to must-see documentaries, our upcoming programme is full of watchlist essentials.

05/06/2026

Today, read our final Volunteers’ Week story.

Hear from Jaden-Lee about volunteering across a range of National Autistic Society groups.

‘Hello, I’m Jaden-Lee! A volunteer for three groups that are ran by the National Autistic Society — an LGBTQ+ online branch, a gaming discussion group, and the Empower Up programme.

For a long time, I have wanted to help people in some capacity. I was diagnosed with ASD at thirteen, but I had no real understanding of what that diagnosis really meant as I was growing up; I was unaware of support systems dedicated to individuals with ASD, and I was hesitant to embrace the diagnosis.

When I started my university journey in 2024, I was connected to the National Autistic Society through the disability services providing me with a student-support specialist, which they felt would be beneficial as I had long been away from education. By the end of 2025, I felt that I had finally entered the right headspace to begin volunteering and NAS was my first choice. I recognized how beneficial the support NAS gives Autistic individuals is, and how much It would have benefitted me growing up. Through volunteering with NAS, I hope that I can help Autistic individuals navigate their neurodivergence in places that I unfortunately had to explore alone, and hopefully one day embrace it!’

Thank you Jaden-Lee, for sharing your story and making a difference! 💜

As Volunteers’ Week comes to an end, we’d like to thank our volunteers again for all they do and will continue to recognise and celebrate their contribution throughout the year.

Every year you continue to inspire us with your dedication to the autistic people and families you support.

Volunteers' Week