Embrace Autism report published
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 8th January 2025
Autistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland celebrate the success of the Embrace Autism programme.
Embrace Autism is a programme of pre- and post-diagnostic support for recently diagnosed or self-identifying autistic adults across Scotland, entirely designed and delivered by autistic professionals.
The programme is an equal partnership between our members Autistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland and is funded by Inspiring Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Autistic Adult Support Fund (AASF).
As is shown in the report, Embrace Autism is a time-limited but highly effective intervention which supports individuals to explore their autistic identity, learn how to navigate life, and create peer connections.
It is clear from the report, that it improves participants’ sense of purpose, their understanding of their autism, and most importantly how they feel about being autistic:
- 1 in 4 felt no purpose in life when they started the programme, which reduced to 1 in 10 afterwards
- Before taking part, 44% did not feel part of a community at all, which reduced to 14% after taking part
- Before taking part, 6% of participants had a clear idea of what being autistic meant to them which increased to 33% after taking part
- 33% of participants felt acceptance about being autistic and 13%felt positive about it before starting the programme, which increased to 51% and 27% respectively afterwards
Effective post-diagnostic support, like Embrace Autism, can give people the knowledge and the tools they need to live meaningful, happy and healthy lives, preventing people from experiencing crisis situations requiring acute support.
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