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Northern Adult Autism Advisory Service (NAAAS)

The Northern Adult Autism Advisory Service is a network of organisations that work together to support autistic individuals aged 16 years and over, and their parents/carers.

The service provides individual support and signposting in relation to employment, education, benefits, housing and autism services. This support is provided at drop-in advisory sessions in different locations across the Northern Trust area on the first Tuesday of every month from 1.30pm-4.30pm. Alternatively, you can log in virtually.

We also provide educational awareness sessions on a range of topics, for example, transitions, emotional health, wellbeing and life skills.

We are keen to hear your views regarding advice and support that you feel would be beneficial to you in your day to day life. We would encourage you to take 5 minutes of your time to provide us with your feedback through our online questionnaire.

Meet the team

Social Opportunities

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.

Online Social Groups

The NOW Group offers gaming groups for autistic young people aged 12-17 years who are living in the Northern Trust area.

Mention FANDOM when you contact the NOW group by email: admin@nowgroup.org or call 02890436400.

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. For more information, contact Joanne.Keown@nas.org.uk

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.