Support for families

Support for children and young people with autism 

Tailor Ed autism-friendly play session 

eva@tailoredfoundation.co.uk 

Tailor Ed Early Years’ Service

This Early Years’ Service is for families with a child with a diagnosis of autism, living in The City of Edinburgh and East Lothian. Referrals can be made for children entering their preschool year by parents and professionals in Autumn each year.

For more information or to make a referral contact

contact@tailoredfoundation.co.uk

07842 104368

Tailor Ed virtual support service

Tailor Ed also offers online group sessions to support children with autism and their families. Online support sessions are available during school holidays, including weekday circle times, and game sessions of interactive and visually supported activities at

For more information or to refer a family to access these events email

contact@tailoredfoundation.co.uk

or phone Kate 

07842 104368

Barnardos Sibling Group

A fun supportive group for children and young people aged 7 to 12 years old who have a sibling who is neurodivergent. Young people can learn about neurodivergence, meet others with similar experiences, play fun games and have an amazing snack. The group runs monthly on Saturdays from 10 am to 11.30 am at  

If your child is interested in attending contact 

NDwell@barnardos.org.uk

The A-Teens group 

This relaxed group allows young people with Autism aged 14 to 18 years to meet and socialize with peers.

The group runs on Thursday afternoons from 3.30 pm to 5 pm at Canongate Youth Centre. Visits can be arranged beforehand.

Please contact Sima Carrasco, Wellbeing Worker. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm on

07799243565

Chill Youth Club run by The Speech Language Communication Company

This supportive and creative social club is for young people aged 16- 25 years who experience speech, language and communication barriers. Sessions will help boost self-confidence and build life skills. Sessions run weekly at

Contact Judith Woodward 

Families@s-l-co.uk

07507 535 857.

Support for parents and carers of children with autism 

Autism Parent/Carer Information Sessions

Autism information sessions are run by the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian. The free sessions are available for parents and carers of children with an autistic diagnosis (or exploring autism as a possibility), children are required to be attending a mainstream school or early years setting.  Sessions for different age ranges take place throughout the year on Microsoft Teams.

Pre-recorded sessions will be made available to those who register after each live session. Subtitles in most languages are available for pre-recorded sessions. Parents/ carers should book through Eventbrite up to 4 days before each session start date to secure a place or to receive the recordings.

Autism Parent Information Sessions | Eventbrite

0131 469 2850.

Parent and Carer Peer Support Group 

This group run by Salvesen Mindroom is for parents and carers of neurodivergent children or those with additional support needs. Each monthly online group will have a theme where parents and carers can share information, resources, and strategies which they have found helpful. Sessions run from 10.30 am to 11.30 am on Teams.

For more information on the next session or to book to attend visit the Parent and Carer website or contact

directhelp@mindroom.org  

0131 370 6730

Cygnet Autism programme - Barnardos

This course is open to parents, carers and family members who have an autistic child between five and 18 years old and live in the Lothians. The course is delivered online via Zoom and consists of six two-hour sessions once a week covering all aspects of autism, including sensory and communication issues. Date and times vary for each course to suit as many people as possible.

To register for a place email

NDwell@barnardos.org.uk and put Cygnet in the Subject line.

Information on the content can be found on the Barnardos website.

Scottish Autism Right Click online support programme

This is for parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum. The programme is a free online support programme specific to the age of their child. Women and girls-specific programmes are also available. Programmes run for five weeks on a rolling programme.

For more information or to register visit the Scottish Autism website.

Barnardo’s ND Well service 

This service is part of a network of community mental health services which runs as part of a partnership with Tailor Ed and Number 6. It’s the first port of call for neurodivergent children and young people or their parents, looking for support with their mental health and wellbeing.

The service is for children and young people aged between 5 to 24 years old and/or their parents, who live in the City of Edinburgh and are neurodivergent. This includes children and young people with a diagnosis of autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. At the Community Drop Ins parents or young people can access a sounding board and listening ear from a skilled and experienced support worker. They can provide access to information, resources and guidance as needed. They can also refer you to their services where suitable or signpost you to other services across the city that will best fit your needs.

Community Drop Ins run at 

NDwell@barnardos.org.uk  

For more information visit Barnardo’s website.

Encouraging Eating Webinar

This is a webinar offering mealtime and eating advice for parents and carers who have autistic children and young people. This session was developed by NHS Lothian professionals from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and CAMHS Intellectual Disability, in partnership with the ASL team.

For more information visit the Webinar webpage.

Information and Support for Parents of Neurodivergent Children

A helpful list of resources and services collated by NHS Lothian for families who are awaiting or have received a neurodevelopmental assessment. It includes links to helpful websites, as well as some brief strategies and techniques which may be useful.

Information and supports for parents of neurodivergent children.docx (nhslothian.scot)

Scottish Autism Advice Line

Scottish Autism offers an Advice Line providing advice and support for individuals and families about autism via online chat or phone. It is available Tuesday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm.

For more information on online events visit the Scottish Autism website or contact

01259 222 022

advice@scottishautism.org.

Number 6 One Stop Shop 

Number 6 is a service run by Autism Initiatives for autistic adults over 16 years who are formally diagnosed with autism and have no additional learning disability. The service supports young people and adults in Edinburgh, Lothians or the Scottish Borders. Number 6 provides free social opportunities and 1-1 advice and support on a range of issues.

Self-referrals or third-party referrals can be made by contacting

number6@aiscotland.org.uk  

An initial appointment will be arranged via phone/video call or in person at Number 6.