Celebrating the success of Embrace Autism
Embrace Autism is a programme of pre- and post-diagnostic support for recently diagnosed or self-identifying autistic adults across Scotland. What makes it unique is that it is designed and delivered entirely by autistic professionals, drawing on lived experience as well as professional expertise.
The programme was originally delivered in partnership between Autistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland, with funding from Inspiring Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Autistic Adult Support Fund (AASF). Today, Embrace Autism is fully delivered by Autistic Knowledge Development.
The Scottish Government endorsed white paper highlights the difference the programme makes. Embrace Autism offers a safe and supportive space for autistic adults to explore their identity, learn strategies for navigating life, and build meaningful peer connections.
Some of the outcomes speak for themselves:
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1 in 4 participants felt no purpose in life when they started, reducing to 1 in 10 afterwards.
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Before taking part, 44% did not feel part of a community at all, which reduced to 14% after the programme.
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Only 6% of participants had a clear idea of what being autistic meant to them before; afterwards this rose to 33%.
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33% of participants felt acceptance about being autistic, and 13% felt positive about it before starting. These figures increased to 51% and 27% respectively afterwards.
The results are clear: effective post-diagnostic support like Embrace Autism helps autistic adults gain knowledge, tools, and confidence to live meaningful, connected lives.
This reduces isolation and preventing crisis situations that might otherwise require acute support.
