SWAN Autism (Scotland)

SWAN gives Evidence at ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support Inquiry | SWAN SWAN CEO, Lyndsay Macadam, attended the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at Scottish Parliament last week to give evidence as a witness in…

SWAN CEO, Lyndsay Macadam, attended the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee at Scottish Parliament last week to give evidence as a witness in the ADHD and Autism Pathways and Support Inquiry.

Read the full article on our news page:

swanscotland.org/news/swan-gi...

We're refreshing our SWAN Spaces online groups based on feedback from our SWAN community

Visit our News page for all the details on what we’ve changed & why: lnkd.in/dRF6Hhar

And the Services and Events page for our calendar, booking info and refreshed groups list with new groups: lnkd.in/eHWe3MZz

@scotrecoverynet.bsky.social

Blue background with pale grey oval in the centre. White text in top left corner reads What does inclusion mean In the centre of the grey pebble black text in quotation marks reads I finally have a place to breathe, Swan Online Group Participant In the bottom righthand corner of the image is a white SWAN logo.

One way into the meaning of inclusion is to think about how it feels to be included. We held several training sessions this week on designing & delivering neuro-inclusive spaces, where we connected, not just to what inclusion means on a strategic level, but what it means to each of us.

It has been such a busy year already but we still have so much to come on our training calendar. Here's a snapshot of the second half of the year. Spaces are limited - For booking head to our eventbrite page - www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/swan-33280... or our website www.swanscotland.org

Autistic Adult Support Fund Success | SWAN SWAN is one of 9 organisations awarded funding from the Autistic Adult Support Fund to provide services and support for autistic people across…

Scottish Government Funding Success!

SWAN is delighted to announce that we are one of 9 organisations awarded funding from the Autistic Adult Support Fund (AASF) to provide services and support for autistic people across Scotland until March 2028.

swanscotland.org/news/autisti...

Introducing our newest member of the SWAN team | SWAN We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Lea Cooper (they/them) to the SWAN team as our new Project Officer.

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Lea Cooper (they/them) to the SWAN team as our new Project Officer!

“After several years in lived experience roles, I'm so excited to be joining the all-autistic team at SWAN.”

- Lea, SWAN Project Officer.

Read more here:
swanscotland.org/news/introdu...

SWAN CEO attends Royal Garden Party | SWAN In recognition of SWAN’s work, CEO Lyndsay Macadam was nominated by Scottish Government to attend the Royal Garden Party earlier this month.

“It was a tremendous honour to be nominated to attend the Royal Garden Party. As the only Charity run by and for autistic women and non-binary people in Scotland, this is an important recognition of the value and necessity of SWAN’s work"
-Lyndsay Macadam, SWAN CEO

swanscotland.org/news/swan-ce...

Understanding and Developing Neuro-inclusive Events and Activities Join us for an in-depth understanding of neurodiversity and key practical considerations for inclusive event and activity delivery

Do you run community groups, events or activities? Work in organisations with neurodivergent people? Would you like to learn more about neuro-affirming practice? Join us on Mon, 11th Aug for 'Understanding & Developing Neuroinclusive Events & Activities' www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1074364766...

Such a great resource :-)

Neuro-Affirming Glossary By Helen Edgar (2025 Edition) Neuro-affirming glossary of keywords and terms. Are you looking for a clear, accessible guide to neuro-affirming language? This glossary may help! It is perfect for parents, carers, and professionals navigating education, health, and social care systems when supporting neurodivergent people. Whether you're new to the neurodivergent community and trying to get your head around what all these different words mean, or if you are a professional seeking a quick reference guide. I hope that this resource will open up conversations and empower you to communicate and embrace neuro-affirming language and practice.

Neuro-Affirming Glossary By Helen Edgar (2025 Edition). PDF download available now.

This is a great resource Helen! Thank you

SWAN Post Diagnosis Group (Self or Clinical) Fridays 12:00-13:30 Six-week group for recently discovered autistic women and non-binary individuals. Open to those who self-identify or are formally diagnosed

Last few spaces in our July, autistic-led post-diagnosis group. We welcome all women (cis and trans) & nonbinary people exploring their autistic identity, whether self-identifying or have a formal diagnosis.
Fri PM www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1415208860...
Thurs Eve www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1415193113...

Growing Up Autistic - Identity, Puberty and Making Sense of Emotions Join us for an autistic-led workshop on navigating puberty, and emotions as an autistic young person in a neurotypical world

Not long now until our next workshop for autistic allies (friends, family, supporters, professionals) This workshop explores the tween and teenage years as an autistic young person.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1074375097...

Thank you for the add

We've got so much going on that we've had to send out an extra 'updates' newsletter this month!

- Glasgow summer Book Club
- Post-dIagnosis (self or clinical) course dates
- Webinar on being autistic and chronically ill with Charli Clement

Catch up here: mailchi.mp/32e20d2b1099...

EHRC Consultation 'body doubling' session Join us for a drop in ‘body doubling’ session where we can all fill out the EHRC consultation together to show our support for trans rights.

🏳️‍⚧️ 🦢 EHRC Consultation - Body Doubling Drop-In 🦢 🏳️‍⚧️

Thursday 26th June 6-8pm we'll be hosting an online 'body doubling' event where you can drop in and fill out the EHRC consultation in a supportive environment.

For more information and to book a place: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ehrc-consu...

The SWAN Newsletter for June is out now!

If you missed it you can catch up online, and don't forget to sign up for next month: swanscotland.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

June newsletter: mailchi.mp/fba67ba2bcc3...

Are you aged between 18 - 30?
Running a new business or launching a start-up?

Foundation Scotland and SWEF are awarding grants of up to £2000 for young people in Scotland:

Christine's fundraiser for SWAN Autism (Scotland) Help Christine C raise money to support SWAN Autism (Scotland)

Support Christine's fundraiser! 🦢💸

"Every step I take represents not just a physical challenge but a commitment to raising awareness & funds for this vital charity. I'm aiming to raise £500 to help provide resources, support & safe autistic spaces to socialise"

www.justgiving.com/page/christi...

SWAN is a trans-inclusive organisation and welcomes all autistic-identified women (cis & trans) & non-binary people.

We'll be taking proactive steps to ensure trans women & non-binary people are able to attend SWAN groups comfortably and safely, including an audit of the venues we use.

Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion at SWAN | SWAN The Supreme Court ruling on gender identity adversely affects a high percentage of autistic people SWAN is a trans-inclusive organisation and…

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans & Non-Binary Inclusion at SWAN 🏳️‍⚧️

We have been shocked and saddened by the decision made in the Supreme Court and view any ruling which seeks to define or control what a woman is, looks like or can do as harmful to all women.

swanscotland.org/news/trans-a...

Don't miss out on your place with just a week to go until our autistic-led, half day training course on Autistic Experiences of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting.

Visit our Eventbrite page for more info and booking:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autistic-e...

A Parent's Perspective: Barriers to Education & Embracing Monotropism Join SWAN & Helen Edgar, for our May webinar discussing why many Autistic & neurodivergent families are struggling in the education system

Can't wait to be joined by @autisticrealms.bsky.social for our @swanautismscotland.bsky.social webinar tomorrow night! (FREE) spaces still available www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1317274135...
Tuesday 13th May 7-8:30pm

SWAN Training SWAN Training is aimed at professionals from any sector wishing to develop their knowledge and practice for working with or supporting autistic people. These training sessions are focused on professio...

Most managers and employers only have time to consider neuro-inclusion when things go wrong...
Investing a little time in embedding neuro- affirming practices from the outset creates strong, diverse teams & happy, healthy, productive workplaces- Join us next week www.eventbrite.com/cc/swan-trai...

Becky Choat I have been voted for an Award at The National Diversity Awards 2025 in association with @itvnews. Please vote for me #NDA25 #Nominate #VotingNowOpen

TWO weeks left!

SWAN Projects Lead @beckychoat.bsky.social has been nominated for the National Diversity Disability Role Model Award!

Please take a moment to cast your vote and let the judges know about the impact and importance of Becky’s work:

www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk//awards-2025...

Alycia's Fundraiser for SWAN Help Alycia Best raise money to support SWAN Autism (Scotland)

📢 Sponsor Mum and Dad SWAN!! 💙🦢

Our SWAN CEO's lovely mum and dad are showing their support by putting their walking shoes on and raising funds for SWAN's work.

Please support SWAN's work and donate if you can - or share if you can't!

www.justgiving.com/page/alycia-...

Graphic with a purple background. On the left is a Blue box that says 'trans people belong'. Below that is a pink box that says "Email your representatives now and stand up for trans rights!". On the right is a simple map of the uk, coloured in the trans flag colours. At the bottom are the Equality Network and Scottish Trans logos.

It’s so important that our representatives hear directly from trans & non-binary people about how we’re feeling about the UK Supreme Court ruling.

No matter if you live in Wales, Scotland or England use our quick email tool to make sure your voice is heard: www.scottishtrans.org/supreme-cour...

📢 Bookings for our next Post-Diagnosis Groups will open next Tuesday 22nd April at 16:30 📢

Wednesdays: 21st May - 25th June from 13:00-14:30
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318643792...

Thursdays: 22nd May - 26th June from 19:00-20:30
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1318671525...

We are sending our love and support to all our trans siblings, today and every day.

Autistic trans women are women.

SWAN is inclusive of all autistic-identified women and non-binary people.

🩵🩷🦢🩷🩵