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Autism - events and resources
Published
There are plenty of opportunities to get support and advice on autism in Gloucestershire, or online, over the next few months. These events are run by charities, not-for-profit organisations and NHS-funded organisations. Keep an eye on the websites linked for the latest information on events and clubs.
“The Lost Girls of Autism”, Cheltenham Science Festival
The Cheltenham Science Festival runs from 3-8 June 2025 at various locations.
On Saturday, 7 June at 2pm, there is a session on “The Lost Girls of Autism” where brain scientist Gina Rippon and mental health nurse Emily Katy, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, will examine how we can better recognise the full spectrum of autistic experience. For more information, and to book, visit the Cheltenham Science Festival website
Can’t Sit Still
The organisation “Can’t Sit Still” runs clubs and spaces called “Being Me” where girls, young women and non-binary people can feel accepted and celebrated. Neurodivergent facilitators provide creative activities in a low pressure, neuro-affirming environment where participants can just ‘be’ alongside other autistic people. There are clubs for primary school age children, 11-16 year olds, 17-25 year olds, and a “Being Me Festival”. The next set of clubs for 11-16 year olds begin in Cheltenham in September 2025, and for 17-25 year olds, the clubs will start in January 2026. For more information, visit Can't Sit Still
South West Regional Hub for Autism - online courses
Bristol Autism Support is the Regional Hub in the South West delivering Autism Central. This is a programme, co-designed to provide high-quality and accessible autism information, education and coaching for families, and carers, and co-delivered by autistic people, families and carers. It is funded by NHS England. A programme of online events open to Gloucestershire residents can be viewed at the “What’s On” section.
South West Learning Disability, Autism & SEND Programme: Resources for autistic teenagers - 'Know Yourself' series
The National Autistic Society has produced the ‘Know Yourself’ series of videos, pdfs and worksheets, to support autistic teenagers in understanding what being autistic means to them.
The resources have been co-produced with autistic young people and feature many talking about their own experiences and what has helped them. The aim is to offer information and ideas to empower teenagers to begin to explore their own experiences and understand themselves more. The series will eventually cover six topics, but the first four topics, ‘understanding yourself’, ‘energy accounting’, ‘exploring your identity’ and ‘setting yourself up for success’ are available now.
There is also a guide highlighting additional resources that can be accessed and should prove indispensable to any SENCO looking to support any autistic young person.