Autistic Knowledge Development Shortlisted for “One to Watch” at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2025
Autistic Knowledge Development has been shortlisted for the “One to Watch” award at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2025. The award recognises emerging social enterprises that show strong early potential, a clear vision, and the drive to grow.
The recognition highlights Autistic Knowledge Development’s role in transforming support for autistic people across Scotland.
Autistic-led change
Autistic Knowledge Development is an autism think tank led by autistic and multiply neurodivergent pople, who are accomplished professionals in their own fields. The team creates innovative new projects for our autistic community and all work is designed to improve the life opportunities of autistic people.
One example is Embrace Autism, a programme for newly identified and diagnosed autistic adults. The Scottish Government has endorsed the programme. In December 2024, Autistic Knowledge Development launched the white paper on adult autism support at the Scottish Parliament. The Minister for Wellbeing and Health and Social Care, cross-party MSPs, and the First Minister all backed its recommendations.
Autistic Knowledge Development also created Aim High, a mentoring service for autistic young people aged 15–25. Sessions are led by trained autistic mentors who use their lived experience and professional knowledge to offer personalised guidance, encouragement, and support.
“Everything we do is shaped by lived experience. As a team of professionals in the autism sector that are also autistic, we often remind people that we are autistic at the weekends too!
This is not just work to us, it is our lives. Being shortlisted shows that our best practice autistic led and designed support is starting to be recognised and valued in Scotland. That means so much to our community.”
– Team Autistic Knowledge Development
National recognition
The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland showcase organisations using business to drive social good.
Autistic Knowledge Development’s shortlisting highlights the value of autistic leadership in shaping services, policies, and opportunities for autistic people across Scotland.
Thank you to our community
The team at Autistic Knowledge Development want to thank our community, our partners, and our supporters. This shortlisting is not just about us, it is about the whole community of people who make Autistic Knowledge Development possible.
