Services & Events
Places and spaces for autistic women, girls and non-binary people
SWAN Places
SWAN Places are in-person social meet-up groups in locations across Scotland. They are autistic spaces, run by autistic volunteers.
These local groups are relaxed and laid-back gatherings for all women and non-binary people who identify as autistic.
They are safe and confidential spaces, facilitated by autistic volunteers.
SWAN Places are not structured support groups, but rather an opportunity to benefit from community and connection in an all-autistic space.
You can share, listen, or simply relax among like-minded peers who understand and support one another.
Have a look at your local group below to find out more, and see the calendar for meeting dates.
You can contact our SWAN Places Meet-Up Volunteers if you have any questions - you'll find their emails under "How do I join?"
You can also sign up to the SWAN mailing list for news and updates on all our groups.
Please read our Guidelines & Rules before you come along to any of our SWAN Places groups, to help ensure they are safe, supportive and friendly spaces.
*Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as very occasionally we may have to change or cancel with short notice (only if unavoidable) and we will post any changes here.
Social Meet-up: Aberdeen
Social Meet-up: Dumfries & Galloway
Social Meet-up: Dundee
Social Meet-up: East Lothian
Social Meet-up: Edinburgh
Social Meet-up: Falkirk
Social Meet-up: Fife
Social Meet-up: Glasgow Bridgeton
Social Meet-up: Glasgow Queen’s Park
Social Meet-up: Glasgow West End
Social Meet-up: Inverness
Social Meet-up: Stirling
Social Meet-up: West Lothian
Social Health Walk: Dundee
Social Health Walk: Glasgow Queens Park
Social Health Walk: Stirling
Social Health Walk: Oban
We’re working on setting up groups in other areas - if you’re interested in volunteering at an existing group, or helping set one up in your area, visit our Volunteer page.
March 2025
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up
SWAN Places31 Mar, 10:30
April 2025
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places1 Apr, 17:30
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places3 Apr, 17:00
Oban Health Walk
SWAN Places5 Apr, 10:30
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places9 Apr, 18:30
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places13 Apr, 14:00
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 Apr, 13:30
Stirling Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 Apr, 17:00
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places17 Apr, 13:30
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places21 Apr, 16:30
Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk
SWAN Places24 Apr, 18:00
Dundee Social Meet-Up
SWAN Places25 Apr, 15:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet up
SWAN Places28 Apr, 10:30
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places29 Apr, 18:00
May 2025
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places1 May, 17:00 - 18:30
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places6 May, 17:30 - 19:00
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places11 May, 14:00 - 16:00
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places14 May, 18:30 - 20:00
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 May, 13:30 - 15:00
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places19 May, 16:30 - 18:00
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places20 May, 13:30 - 15:00
Stirling Social Meet Up Group
SWAN Places20 May, 17:00 - 18:30
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up
SWAN Places26 May, 10:30 - 12:00
Dundee Social Meet Up
SWAN Places30 May, 15:00 - 17:00
SWAN Spaces
SWAN Spaces are regular online groups and events. They are safe, friendly autistic-only spaces, led by autistic staff.
In SWAN Spaces, you are free to participate as little or as much as you feel comfortable - talk, join in the text chat, read the closed captions, stim, bring your pets along, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket, or just watch and listen with your camera on or off.
Friends and allies, families and carers, and professionals and practitioners who do not identify as autistic but want to learn more about autistic women, girls and non-binary people are warmly welcomed to specific events only, where stated in the event description.
All of our online events are held on Zoom and you can book a place via Eventbrite.
Have a look at our SWAN Spaces groups below to find out more and see the calendar for meeting dates.
Art & Craft Group
Autistic Parents’ Space
Edinburgh Online Social Meet-Up
Moray Online Social Meet-Up
Neuroqueer Social (LGBTQIA+ Group)
Online Peer Support Forum
Stirlingshire Online Social Meet-Up
Post-Diagnosis Groups
Pre-Diagnosis Drop-Ins
Shetland Islands Online Social Meet-Up
Wellbeing Webinars
Scotland Online Social Meet-Up
Western Isles Online Social Meet-Up
Student Online Social Meet-Up
Sign up to the SWAN mailing list for news and updates on all our groups.
March 2025
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces31 Mar, 18:00
April 2025
Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN SpacesOnline - 1 Apr, 13:00 - 14:30
Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) can be a long difficult and confusing time and it can be hard to find relevant resources and information.
This monthly drop in group is a safe space to explore, ask questions and meet other women and non-binary people at a similar point in their journey.
For more information, see the full details about this group under 'SWAN Spaces'.
Booking Now Open
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 4 Apr, 13:30 - 15:00
Booking now open
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Fridays from 1:30-3pm
Friday 7th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 14th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 21st March 1:30-3pm
Friday 28th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 04th April 1:30-3pm
Friday 11th April 1:30-3pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces8 Apr, 18:00
Webinar - Masking and Relationships: A Conversation With Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose
SWAN Spacesonline - 8 Apr, 18:30 - 20:30
We are delighted to welcome Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose for our monthly wellbeing webinar on ' Masking and Relationships: A Conversation'
Booking Now Open
About this Webinar:
Join us for a conversation between SWAN, and Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose, authors of Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma; exploring Masking and relationships for Autistic people, and answering questions from the audience.
About our Speaker:
Dr. Amy Pearson is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Durham University, affiliated with the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development.
As an award-winning autistic developmental psychologist and researcher, her research examines factors impacting the well-being of autistic and neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, focusing on interpersonal relationships, victimisation, social identity, masking, and stigma. Dr. Pearson utilises innovative mixed-methods approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and arts-based research, and is dedicated to co-design and participatory methods that actively involve neurodivergent voices.
She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a member of the Experimental Psychology Society, and serves as an editor for the journal 'Neurodiversity' and deputy editor of 'Autism in Adulthood.' Her recent projects explore intimate partner violence among autistic adults and aim to create resources supporting healthy relationships within this community. Dr. Pearson’s work challenges pathologizing views of neurodivergence, advocating for affirming approaches that foster positive change.
Outside academia, Amy received an autism diagnosis in 2022. She enjoys walking with her partner and dog, participating in gym and aerial classes, reading fantasy and dark fiction, and cooking as a form of relaxation.
Kieran Rose is an internationally recognised Autistic author, academic researcher, and consultant with a background in SEND education and public service delivery for Autistic adults. Diagnosed as Autistic in 2003 and the parent of three Autistic children with varying support needs, Kieran draws on personal and professional experience to challenge stigma, deconstruct traditional autism narratives, critically reflect, and reframe understanding through an intersectional lens.
Kieran delivers specialist training and consultancy globally, working with professionals, organisations, and institutions to foster reflective practice, challenge ideologies, and promote affirming approaches to Autistic experiences and Neurodivergence. He guest-lectures at UK universities, including The Anna Freud Centre, and supervises mental health and education professionals, supporting the development of inclusive, compassionate practices. Kieran is a faculty member and consultant for the STAR Institute, a leading US-based organisation in Occupational Therapy practice and research.
Kieran’s academic research focuses on Autistic Masking, victimisation, stigma, intimate partner violence, and lifeworld approaches to care, with ongoing projects exploring Monotropism, Autistic identity, and suicidality. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Sunderland and a peer reviewer for leading autism journals.
Outside of work, Kieran enjoys reading and watching Science Fiction and Horror, researching the Paranormal, cooking, stargazing with his children, and occasionally finding the brain space to write for his platform, The Autistic Advocate, which has been read by millions worldwide.
Amy and Kieran’s close friendship has fuelled years of impactful joint research and advocacy, and together in 2003 they published their co-authored, highly acclaimed book Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma, A groundbreaking academic touchstone exploring Autistic Masking.
www.theautisticadvocate.com
www.durham.ac.uk/staff/amy-pearson/
www.amypearson6.wixsite.com/mysite/research
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces10 Apr, 18:00
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 11 Apr, 13:30 - 15:00
Booking now open
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Fridays from 1:30-3pm
Friday 7th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 14th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 21st March 1:30-3pm
Friday 28th March 1:30-3pm
Friday 04th April 1:30-3pm
Friday 11th April 1:30-3pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Autistic Parents' Space
SWAN Spaces17 Apr, 19:00
Edinburgh Group online
SWAN Spaces20 Apr, 15:00
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online
SWAN Spaces28 Apr, 18:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces29 Apr, 18:00
Student Online Social Meet-Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 30 Apr, 18:00 - 19:00
May 2025
Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN SpacesOnline - 6 May, 19:00 - 20:30
Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) can be a long difficult and confusing time and it can be hard to find relevant resources and information.
This monthly drop in group is a safe space to explore, ask questions and meet other women and non-binary people at a similar point in their journey.
For more information, see the full details about this group under 'SWAN Spaces'.
Booking opens on Monday 14th April at 4:30pm on our Eventbrite
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 8 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 13 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Autistic Parents' Space
SWAN SpacesOnline - 15 May, 19:00 - 20:30
Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 18 May, 15:00 - 16:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 1
SWAN SpacesOnline - 21 May, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 1
SWAN SpacesOnline - 22 May, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 26 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 27 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 2
SWAN SpacesOnline - 28 May, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Student Online Social Meet-Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 28 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 2
SWAN SpacesOnline - 29 May, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
June 2025
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 4 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 5 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 4
SWAN SpacesOnline - 11 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 4
SWAN SpacesOnline - 12 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 18 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 19 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 25 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm
Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 26 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm
Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm
Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm
Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video