• Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm
• Sat-Sun, 9am to noon

Children's Occupational Therapy helpline opening times:

0131 4464011

• Tuesday 9-10am

• Thursday 3-4am

Occupational Therapy Number: to arrange a phone appointment 0131 312 1070

You can also find us on our social media channels, on the ‘Children and Young People’s Therapies and Support’ page on Facebook Opens in new window and also on YouTube Opens in new window.

Social stories and comic strip conversations (autism.org.uk)

Social storiesTM and comic strip conversations can help autistic people develop greater social understanding and help them stay safe.

22 Eyre Place Lane

Edinburgh

EH3 5EH

0131 476 4506

www.theyardscotland.co.uk

info@theyardscotland.org.uk

Please do contact us if you’d like more information about any of our youth clubs.

All our clubs are free and open to anyone living in the local area. They run on a drop in basis so there is no need to pre-book/register. Just come along and see us and we’ll help you get involved. 

For more information contact Bonny on bonny@canongateyouth.org.uk or 07780440650.

They’re a great way for people to build confidence, make friends and help with communication skills. It’s also a way for staff to provide tips on staying healthy and well during this time and helping people support each other.

Free to join, the online groups are open to autistic people and families wherever you are in Scotland. There are groups representing different geographical areas, young people, parents, girls and women, LGBT+ individuals, as well as particular interest groups such as ‘Film’ and ‘Quiz’ clubs.

Staff aim to make the sessions fun with virtual tours of famous landmarks, zoos and aquariums, as well as fun activities like quizzes and even making mocktails! The groups often welcome guests from a variety of organisations to engage in fun activities and workshops.

How to join

If you are interested in joining a social group, email: ScotlandSocialGroups@nas.org.uk

Who is eligible?

The groups are open to anyone who is autistic, or suspects they are – you don’t need a formal diagnosis to join our groups. 

There are no geographical boundaries – you can join if you live in any part of Scotland. If you are aged between 12 and 26 years old, the groups will be available to you.

Most are for over age 15 but Youth group for 12 to 16 yrs. 

Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.

We aim to create a  fun, friendly and relaxed environment for ASN children to explore our Curiosity Club activities, with the reassurance of their parents/carers being with them or nearby. 

Content is aimed at ages 7–11, but this is not a set age range and we welcome all children and families who think they might enjoy these sessions.  

Canon Gate Youth

1:30-4pm Fridays

After school Thu- talks from inspiring autistic adults, trips to museums. Call to be added to the waiting list

Sima@canonagateyouth.org,uk

Suxanne Quinan 07780433056

Groups

Open all hours

Gym, swim, chill out ASD, adult support

Klub

Tue, Wed THu evenings, ASD

Kirkliston Friday Eves

Professional referral.

Mainstream high school pupils

Team United

admin@teamunited.org.uk

Footbasll- autism league

emphasis on the fun, social events, team spirit

Branch out together

12-17 year olds

holoday club nad saturday club

Base camp

Yard

teens club on Thursday

Add name to waiting list

National Autistic Society

Online social groups

mainly over 15 year old

1 for 12-16 year olds- chat and form friendships

Capability scotland

Sat morning youth group

Edinburgh Leisure- get in touch and they will chat to help child access

Art Bud

Gate 55- Westerhailes Sighthill

Currie Community Centre- Monday night

Touchdown.uk.org- recommended by parents. Not sutism specific

Ratho Leisure Centre- Inlusive approach EICA

Also available as an app (download from the above website)

Be Safe Have Fun – This is a sexual health education app for young people with autism and or learning difficulties aged 14 and over. Only available on Google Playstore

A mobile App designed to enable young people to deal with pressures around ‘sexting’ – the sending of explicit images or videos.

A reassuring, fact-packed book for girls on what to expect when growing up.

From Dr Emily MacDonagh, practising NHS doctor and OK! magazine's popular Health and Parenting Columnist.

Dr Emily talks about the physical and emotional changes of puberty in a simple and friendly way.

Topics include:

• When and why will your body start to change?

• How will you feel different and why?

• What's happening to the boys?

• Plus expert tips on healthy eating, positive body image, self-esteem, and lots more.

• With colourful illustrations and useful diagrams.

• Written in collaboration with a Consultant Paediatrician and School Nurse.

Aspie mentors, offer their personal guidance on coping with the daily stressors that Aspies have identified as being the most significant, in order of urgency - anxiety, self-esteem, change, meltdowns, depression, friendship, love, and much, much more. Based on years of personal experience, this book is packed with advice from Aspie mentors who have all been there and done that! World expert Dr. Tony Attwood rounds up each chapter with professional analysis and extensive recommendations. He includes essential information on destructive strategies that may look attractive, but that have counter-productive effects.

Everything young people aged 13 to 18 need to know about sexual health and relationships.

Call 07774 622520

The helpline is open to parents carers and professionals

Sleep support for the family of any child 18months+ in Scotland

email: sleepsupport@sleepaction.org

SIGNS of autism

links on the parent and carers web pages

Based in Braidburn and Oaklands

Holiday Hub information is sent out to all families via the schools in June with applications closing in August.

There are 3 rates:

1=£40 receiving benefits

2=£80 Low-income families  

3=£120 working families

The Hub aims to offer families 4 weeks in the school year.

Contact:

HolidaySupport holidaysupport@edinburgh.gov.uk

 You can find the website link here: www.theyardscotland.org.uk/edan-hub

 You can find the website link here: www.theyardscotland.org.uk/edan-hub

Exploring autism and social communication differences in the high school years

Sessions delivered collaboratively by NHS (OT/ SLT +CAMHS) & Education Services

Working in partnership to support our autistic young people in Edinburgh

Exploring autism and social communication differences in the high school years

Sessions delivered collaboratively by NHS (OT/ SLT +CAMHS) & Education Services

Working in partnership to support our autistic young people in Edinburgh

Please note that Young people need to have an autism diagnosis and attend a mains stream school."

Attached to this email, you will find the Referral Form. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out.