Your Internet Explorer 11 browser is not supported by this site. Please upgrade to a recent browser for the best experience.

Skip to main content

Donate
Close Button
Donate
Donate
false

Online social groups success in Scotland

The coronavirus pandemic has been tough for everyone. Often confusing rules and changes to routines have been particularly hard for autistic people and their families, with many feeling more isolated than ever. Fortunately, we have good news from our colleagues in Scotland. Forced to move their face-to-face social groups online, they have seen a huge increase in those taking part and number of meetings.

"We have been able to reach so many autistic people who have been isolated up until now. 

We went from groups meeting once a month to once a week and now have over 200 people meeting weekly."

Sandra Buckley, Social Programmes Manager (Scotland)

​​​​​​Introducing the online NAScafe group with special guest from the Purrple Cat Cafe, Glasgow

false

The NAScafe group has 30 members including many four-legged ones. Every second week the group turns into a music and book group. Ewan, who attends the group, said,  "I have met some new people in these groups it gives me something to pass my time. In the book club for example, not only do I have something fun to do during the meetings, but the book of the month and short story of the week features give me something to do outside of the group meetings."

cat

I enjoy having a group of like-minded people who you can discuss interests with and know you'll be absolutely accepted, with general issues and more negative autism-related issues.
Catherine, group member
My daughter was able to see other people like her who may be uncomfortable in social situations. She was able to see she is not the only one who feels socially awkward, but can see how they dealt with the situation. 
Mum of a group member

16 social groups with one aim: to connect autistic people

The National Autistic Society Scotland has been running social groups for and led by autistic people since 2004. The groups have grown over time but a move online, due to the pandemic, has seen them change from once a month to once a week and receive over 200 online visitors a week.

In Scotland and want to join a social group?

curve-left Find out more

A huge thank you to ...

User Icon
Duck Icon
GW
Dots Dots Dots Dots

Your are not alone

Join our community

Our online community is a place for autistic people and their families to meet like-minded people and share their experiences.

Join today
false

The Spectrum magazine

Explore one of the UK's largest collections of autistic art, poetry, and prose. The Spectrum magazine is created by and for autistic people, and is available both online and in print.

Read the Spectrum

Please wait while we check your current settings

Your cookie settings