Social opportunities for autistic adults

Peer networks

The Autism NI Family Support Team co-ordinates peer networks for different age groups:

• Autistic Peer Network for adults aged 18 + years
• Autistic Peer Network for adults aged 30 + years
• Autistic LGBTQIA+ Peer Network

For more details, contact Autism NI on 028 9040 1729 (opt 1) or email info@autismni.org.

National Autistic Society (NAS)

The National Autistic Society runs social groups for autistic adults aged 18 years and over who are living in the Northern Trust area.  For more information, please email Joanne.Keown@nas.org.uk

NAS offers a Dad’s Stay and Play Group for fathers of autistic children of primary school age, where dads can bring their autistic children with high and complex support needs to their centre to engage in activities and sensory play. The fathers will be supported by NAS staff.  Email Joanne.Keown@nas.org.uk for more details.

NAS is also gathering interest for an online social group for autistic parents across Northern Ireland. If you are interested, please complete this survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MS5MD75 with email address and availability. A parent does not need to have a formal diagnosis. If they would like to put in an application without doing the survey, or ask any questions, they can email Joanne.Keown@nas.org.uk

ALL2Gether social programme

ALL2Gether is Specialisterne’s social programme for those who are 18 years and over.  It is aimed at building confidence, feeling more represented in society and helping to build connections with other people.  The programme is delivered online with some in person groups as well.  They  run different interest groups throughout the week based on participant suggestions, and it is a “hop on hop off” style.

Specialisterne also offer one-to-one sessions where participants can come and talk about what they have been doing lately and cover any areas they would like.

If you are interested in the All2Gether programme, or any other programmes at Specialisterne NI, you can contact Monica Owen on 07943 033739 or at monica.owen@specialisterne.com.

Walking groups

There are a range of different walking groups in the Trust area, with each walk and hike suitable for those with disabilities, limited mobility and wheelchair users.