Charity launches social support programme for autistic teenagers and young adults in Glasgow
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 27th July 2021
National Autistic Society Scotland has launched a programme of social support for autistic teenagers and young people living in Glasgow.
NASplus+ Glasgow is aimed at teenagers and young adults aged 14-24 who either have a diagnosis of autism or suspect they may be autistic.
According to Scottish Government estimates there are close to 10,000 autistic people in Glasgow. But with two thirds of autistic people in Scotland reporting they feel socially isolated – the Charity are keen to try and support people to build friendships and feel more connected.
The 15 week NASplus+ Glasgow Social Navigation Programme is free and focused on building confidence, developing social navigation strategies as well as providing a safe and secure environment for autistic people to connect and build friendships.
Funded through Glasgow City Council Community Fund, the online groups start in September and are free to attend. The groups focus on fun activities created with shared interests in mind and are supported by trained staff and volunteers.
Melanie a parent from Garrowhill said:
“Lachlan is looking forward to starting NASplus+ in September, he has taken part in similar groups at the charity and I’ve seen him grow in confidence as well as gain more understanding about autism and himself. He has always struggled with friendships and in the past has been a closed book, but through these online groups he has started to make connections and get to know others.
I’m really proud of him – he has good days and bad days of course and things can often be difficult, but I’ve really seen him come on. As a family we’re feeling more positive about the future.”
Nick Ward, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland said;
“The pandemic and lock down have been incredibly difficult for many young autistic people. We’ve seen dramatic change to routine and structure in school and at home, which have put huge pressures on individuals and their families.
We have heard how many young autistic people have felt socially isolated and have struggled with anxiety and mental health difficulties.
Through NASplus+ Glasgow and our new Social Navigation Programme we’re hoping to address some of these issues by empowering autistic teenagers and young adults through social navigation strategies which in turn help build confidence and form friendships so they are more included alongside their peers in Glasgow life.”
End of page.
You may also like:
A newly identified security vulnerability affecting PHP software used by millions of websites worldwide requires immediate attention.
Continue readingFind out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
Continue readingA phased campaign supports earlier CKD recognition, helping healthcare professionals deliver timely care and improve patient outcomes.
Continue readingOur response warns that Scotland cannot achieve a sustainable health & care system without greater investment in prevention and social care
Continue readingScottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2026, organised by Active Scotland, runs 2-8 November.
Continue readingShare your experience to help shape Scotland’s work on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention through national engagement.
Continue readingReport mapping the supports and services in place across Scotland during pregnancy and into the first few months of a baby’s life.
Continue readingPhD researchers from The Glasgow School of Art are seeking participants.
Continue readingWhat's working, what still needs to change and what Scotland must do to ensure every child can realise their right to the best health.
Continue readingA current research project is exploring the physical challenges faced day-to-day in care, both by carers and by the people they support
Continue readingYour feedback will shape an updated version of the toolkit.
Continue readingThe Scottish Transitions Forum hosted by ARC Scotland have launched the Compass National Data report for 2025-26.
Continue readingAre you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingApply to support equalities groups in Renfrewshire.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingNesta launch new report 'Getting it right for every baby' highlighting key challenges in the existing landscape of support.
Continue readingThe Oversight Board for the promise has launched their fourth report into Scotland’s progress in keeping the promise.
Continue readingUrgent investment needed to deliver fair, person centred social care in Scotland, say the ALLIANCE.
Continue readingOur presentation noted the negative effects of social care charging on human rights including health and adequate standard of living.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE publishes report outlining key learning from the delivery of Self Management for Life 2024 Small Grants.
Continue readingFor Menopause Month in October, the ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have brought together all our resources on menopause in one pack.
Continue readingNew report sets out action the Government must take to ensure people living with HIV can live well, free from stigma and discrimination.
Continue reading