National Autistic Society 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

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

04/06/2026

We’re proud to be taking part in Volunteers’ Week 2026 – marking 42 years of saying thank you to volunteers across the UK for everything they do for society.

Today, we’d like to share a volunteer story from Carolyn:

‘Hello, I’m Carolyn and I’m AuDHD. After my diagnosis I attended What’s Next and finally found a place where I could be myself.

I was warmly welcomed in without pressure to immediately open up and with this support I felt comfortable to be myself- I didn’t suppress my intense stims nor mask my autistic traits and in doing so I finally didn’t feel like an alien in a world that wasn’t made for people like me.

I met other people who understood the complexities of my strong sensory profile, the more bizarre aspects of the way my brain operates, and they helped me navigate some of the pain and isolation I was feeling with empathy, compassion and one of my greatest values- humour!

I wanted to support the What’s Next team as late diagnosis can feel like the start of a vast and overwhelming journey of self-discovery. I like to think of myself as a hand held out to help you along the way, guide you on where to turn when lost or even just help you start off on your way.

I immediately felt like one of the team and am able to express my autistic joy whilst acknowledging the difficulties and how we as a community can overcome and/or navigate them with our shared experience.

Ultimately I hope that after attending What’s Next my peers will feel less alone, that they do belong and feel empowered to be their true selves without letting anyone or anything dull their shine so they can thrive in a world that they once felt only had limited possibilities for them.’

Thank you, Carolyn, for all that you do and for being an important part of our community. 💜

Follow us to hear more stories from our volunteers, and read more about our services here:
https://bit.ly/3Q0Qe3n

Volunteers' Week

03/06/2026

91% of participants say that What’s Next? has improved their understanding of autism.

What’s Next? is a two‑and‑a‑half‑year programme of support designed for recently diagnosed or self‑identifying autistic adults aged 18 and over, living in Scotland.

The programme aims to empower autistic adults to live confidently as their authentic selves by deepening understanding of autism and autistic identity, improving wellbeing, and reducing isolation through peer connections.

We’ve recently seen the first cohort complete the programme, and we’re already seeing the impact.

Participants have reported greater confidence in social situations, lower stress levels, reduced anxiety and improved overall wellbeing. They also describe having a clearer understanding of autism and the next steps they can take to access support.

Learn more about the programme:
👉 https://bit.ly/4dD4Pdt

Inspiring Scotland