Support Groups
Connect with others who really understand
National Autistic Society Scotland Groups and Branches
NAS Nairn Children’s Group
www.facebook.com/nasnairn
A club for children of all ages with any additional needs, and their siblings and parents/carers. It is a place for children to play, socialise and do crafts, and for parents to meet others. This friendly group runs on the third Saturday of each month at Nairn Community Centre, 1pm-3pm, check Facebook for details
NAS Virtual Highland Branch
https://www.facebook.com/NAS-Highland-Branch-103096815129970
The UK’s first virtual NAS branch launched in April 2021. It offers support for autistic adults, parents, carers and families. Run by volunteers who have personal experience and expertise, they will be delighted to hear from you.
NAS Scotland Online Social Groups
There are so many online social groups available for you to join to make new contacts, get peer support and practice social skills! Groups include Lego, Women/Girls, a youth Group, Politics and more. Whatever your interests they will match you up.
Other Support Groups
This is Me Highland
https://www.facebook.com/thisismehighland1/
This is Me Highland is a charity founded by proactive, enthusiastic, caring parents. The aim of the charity is to help children and young people who have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopment disorder (diagnosed within the NDAS criteria) and their families by offering advice and support where possible.
We also welcome families who are currently on the waiting list for NDAS. This is Me Highland will work within the principles of the Highland NDAS criteria, to find out more please see their Facebook page and complete a registration form.
Highland One Stop Shop (HOSS)
www.facebook.com/highlandonestopshop/
Run by Autism Initiatives Scotland this service is there to help autistic adults aged 16 and over in the Highland area. They offer social groups, advice and more.
ARGH (Autism Rights Group Highland)
ARGH is an Autistic People's Organisation, run by and for Autistic adults. They are a collective advocacy, lobbying and campaigning group and have an autism alert card.
PDA Parent Support Group Highland
https://www.facebook.com/groups/309446706530054/
This group aims to bring awareness of Pathological Demand Avoidance to parents and carers in Highland. They can provide support and information about PDA and hold monthly meetings. Find out more by joining their closed Facebook group.
Lochaber Autism Support Group
Lochaber Autism Support Group - Home | Facebook
A parent-led support group who meet in Lochaber on the first Saturday of every month. Contact via their Facebook page or email to LochaberAutism@hotmail.com
Fox and Friends - For for All
https://www.foxandfriends.org.uk/projects
Fox For All offers activities and events to families living with a child, teen or adult with an additional support need. The group are building a range of services that will offer families and support staff opportunities to come together to try new things, have fun as a family and share their experiences.
Drop-in events:
Evanton - Tuesday 4.30pm-6.30pm
Dingwall - Thursday 10am-12pm
Invergordon - Thursday 1.30pm-4.30pm
Drop In Clubs offer a safe space for ASN Teens & Adults to meet up and have some fun together We enjoy a range of family led activities each week, like crafts, gardening, cooking & games.
Email: info@foxandfriends.org.uk or text for more information 07756 862 109
Highlights Youth Club – Dingwall
The Youth Club is for young people with additional support needs and runs at Dingwall Academy on Mondays 5:30 – 7pm. The group is for anyone aged 12-18 years (including P7 age group). Come along and have fun!! This a joint project between HLH Youth Development team and Highland Council’s Children’s Disability Service.
Margo Ramsay: margo.ramsay@highland.gov.uk
Louise Rose: louise.rose@highlifehighland.com