07/08/2025
When South Ayrshire Autistic Society was first established, there were no local supports or services dedicated to autistic individuals and their families. We were created out of need - to provide a space, a voice, and a sense of community for those who had nowhere else to turn.
South Ayrshire Autistic Society is now closed and no longer providing support services. This decision was not made lightly, but we are confident that the time is right - and that the Ayrshire community is now supported by a strong and growing network of services.
Over the years, we’ve been privileged to support so many incredible individuals and families. Their stories, strength, and resilience have inspired us every step of the way - and each person we’ve met has left a lasting imprint on our hearts.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported, volunteered with, or been part of the SAAS community. Your dedication to the autistic community in Ayrshire has made a real and lasting impact. Our appreciation for the support we've received only highlights the importance of community and collaboration in making a positive difference in people's lives.
Through collective effort and compassion, South Ayrshire Autistic Society has made a significant difference - providing support, resources, and guidance to countless families navigating the challenges of autism. That is something we are deeply proud of.
As a family, SAAS has given us a sense of purpose and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. But due to our own personal circumstances, we feel it is time for us to move on as well.
Today, we’re delighted to see just how far support has come across Ayrshire. There are now a number of brilliant groups and services offering connection, advocacy, and practical support for neurodivergent individuals - including NAS Autism Support Ayrshire, ASN Support - Ayrshire and Spotty Zebras SCIO. These organisations continue our work of building a more inclusive and understanding community, and we’re so pleased to see them thriving.
We feel incredibly lucky to have played a part in laying the groundwork for these organisations and groups. Watching them grow and flourish has been one of our greatest honours - and we will always be rooting for them. But now, we feel that it is our turn to step away.
We’re also incredibly encouraged by the work of NEST Ayrshire (the Neurodevelopmental Empowerment Strategy Team) - an NHS-led service offering information, workshops, resources, and advice for all ages, regardless of diagnosis. NEST is the kind of service we could only have dreamed of when SAAS was first started. Its existence today shows just how far things have come - providing a consistent, inclusive, and empowering foundation of support across Ayrshire.
In many ways, the ultimate goal of any charity is to no longer be needed, and while this moment is bittersweet, it is also a beautiful sign of progress. The fact that there is no longer a need for South Ayrshire Autistic Society is something we celebrate with full hearts and hopeful minds.
Please continue our work - in kindness, understanding, and standing with every neurodivergent person in Ayrshire. The future is brighter because of you.
Thank you all for being a part of our SAASy family.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Thank you for making a difference with us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
South Ayrshire Autistic Society 🐧
