Training
Specialist, autistic-led training and consultancy to increase your understanding of autism and support you to develop autism-inclusive practices.
All SWAN training is designed and delivered by autistic professionals and informed by over 10 years' experience of working with autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland.
“I learned more in an hour than I think I have on any other autism courses” - NHS Clinician
We aim to inform, help challenge myths and misunderstandings, and work with you to improve support and service provision, making them more inclusive and accessible for autistic women, girls and non-binary people.
SWAN training will leave you with:
- A better understanding of the experiences of autistic women, girls and non-binary people
- More confidence in supporting and being an ally to autistic women, girls and non-binary people
- Knowledge about creating more inclusive services and environments for autistic women, girls and non-binary people
Training & Workshops Calendar
We run online Training sessions and Workshops throughout the year which individuals can book to attend.
Training is focused on professional contexts and Workshops are suitable for anyone to attend.
SWAN Training - for Professionals
See the Training Calendar section below for training details and dates.
- SWAN Training is aimed at professionals from any sector wishing to develop their knowledge and practice for working with or supporting autistic people.
- These training sessions are focused on professional support and service delivery in clinical settings, workplaces, education, public spaces, etc.
- In addition to the training calendar, we also offer bespoke in-house training, conference keynotes and consultancy on these and other topics, tailored to suit your organisation’s needs - see the 'In-House Training' section below or contact us for more information.
SWAN Workshops - for Allies
See the Workshops Calendar section below for workshop details and dates.
- SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
- Whilst suitable for anyone, workshops are focused on everyday experiences rather than professional contexts.
- The sliding scale for our workshops is more accessible for friends and families, and sessions are run in the evening or at lunchtime, to include those who are attending around work or other commitments.
While we run parallel sessions on some topics, the content is distinct, and our Training & Workshop structure is designed to make it easier to decide which session will best meet your needs.
For example our ‘Autism and Eating Disorders Training for Professionals’ focuses on neuro-inclusive professional support in clinical settings, while our ‘Autism and Eating Disorders Workshop for Allies’ focuses on general understanding, and supporting someone with an eating disorder who you live with, work with or care for/about.
For autistic women and non-binary people looking to develop their understanding of their own identity and experiences, rather than in a professional context, visit our Services and Events page for our free Wellbeing Webinars and Post-Diagnostic Support course which cover similar topics, along with other free groups and services.
Download our 2025 Training & Workshops calendar, or our 2026 Training and Workshops Calendar visit our Eventbrite page or see the 'Training Calendar' or 'Workshops Calendar' sections below for full details.
Last year we delivered training and information sessions to over 100 different organisations and over 2600 individuals across NHS and Local Authority health and social care services, primary, secondary and further education, private sector employers and third sector services.
Sign up to our Mailing List to hear about upcoming training or contact us to discuss your training needs.
Training Calendar
SWAN Training is aimed at professionals from any sector wishing to develop their knowledge and practice for working with or supporting autistic people.
These training sessions are focused on professional support and service delivery in clinical settings, workplaces, education, public spaces, etc.
These training sessions can also be delivered in-house and tailored to the specific needs of your team.
Further information on content and booking details will be published soon - please sign up to our mailing list for updates.
UPCOMING TRAINING - BOOKING NOW:
Date: Tuesday 18th November 13:00-16:00
Who should attend?: Professional Development Training
Built on the voices, experiences and learning of autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland, as well as current evidence and research, this training will support practitioners to explore autistic identity and wellbeing. This interactive session will discuss key thinking around the current prevalence of mental health crises within the autistic community. Building on this knowledge to develop informed strategic and practical approaches for working with autistic people who will present and experience both general wellbeing and mental health crises differently. Attendees can expect to develop a greater understanding of autistic women and non-binary people in general, factors that impact well-being as well as neuro-informed practices and supports that can protect and promote autistic wellbeing and safety.
Cost: £30 - £75
Date: Wednesday 25th February 10:00-12:30pm
Who should attend? : Professional Development Training
This training is built on the voices, experiences and learning of autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland, alongside current evidence and research. It is designed to support practitioners in exploring autistic identity, mental health and wellbeing through an inclusive and neuro-affirming lens. The training’s emphasis on lived experience and the inclusion of non-binary voices help foster a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to identify the unique factors that affect autistic wellbeing and mental health, including internal and external influences. Gaining greater understanding of how autistic women and non-binary people experience and express wellbeing and mental health needs, and how this may differ from non-autistic experience. Attendees will be able to apply neuro-informed and neuro-affirming strategies in their practice, supporting the wellbeing and safety of autistic individuals.
Date: Thursday 30th April 10:00-12:30pm
Who should attend? Professional Development Training
Research indicates that autistic people are subject to higher rates of interpersonal victimisation as well as sexual and domestic abuse, coercion and control over longer periods and with greater severity and frequency than their non-autistic peers. Neurodivergent individuals can face unique challenges in these circumstances. This autistic-led session will draw on the voices, knowledge and learning of the autistic community to explore the different experiences, challenges and trajectories of autistic survivors. Considering the prevalence and impact of interpersonal victimisation, sexual and physical violence and abuse for the autistic community. Clarification of prevention, reporting and support barriers that exist for autistic and neurodivergent individuals The session will then explore autistic wellbeing, connection and communication and consider what this means for strategies and tools that provide a more responsive and accessible service to autistic and other neurodivergent survivors
Cost: £30 - £75
Date: PART ONE: Monday 1st June 12:00-1:30pm
PART TWO: Monday 8th June 12:00-1:30pm
Who should attend? Professional Development Training
This course is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the unique experiences and challenges faced by autistic birthing people and their partners throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. The two sessions build to guide learners through a structured exploration from autistic identity to practical strategies for neuro-affirming support. The course emphasises integration of autistic-led research, personal stories, and direct experiences from autistic parents and professionals.
Overview
Session 1
Understanding Autistic Identity and Lived Experience
Navigating Prenatal Challenges
Session 2
Childbirth Experiences and Support Strategies
Early Parenting – Bonding, Routines, and Community Connections
Cost: £30 - £75
Date: PART ONE: Tuesday 22nd September 12:00-1:30pm
PART TWO: Tuesday 29th September 12:00-1:30pm
Who Should Attend? Professional Development Session
This autistic-led course consists of two sessions that focus on understanding eating disorders and unique eating differences within the autistic and neurodivergent communities, using a neurodivergent-affirming approach. Participants will gain insight into treatment challenges, supported by real-life examples, research, and community perspectives.
Overview:
Session 1 –
Foundation – autistic experience, eating and eating disorders
Session 2 –
Neuro-affirming clinical and community practice
Cost: £30 - £75
Date: Monday 10th November 1:00-3:30pm
Who should attend? : Professional Development Training
This training is built on the voices, experiences and learning of autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland, alongside current evidence and research. It is designed to support practitioners in exploring autistic identity, mental health and wellbeing through an inclusive and neuro-affirming lens. The training’s emphasis on lived experience and the inclusion of non-binary voices help foster a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
By the end of this training, participants will be able to identify the unique factors that affect autistic wellbeing and mental health, including internal and external influences. Gaining greater understanding of how autistic women and non-binary people experience and express wellbeing and mental health needs, and how this may differ from non-autistic experience. Attendees will be able to apply neuro-informed and neuro-affirming strategies in their practice, supporting the wellbeing and safety of autistic individuals.
Cost: £30 - £75
Workshops Calendar
SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
Whilst suitable for anyone, workshops are focused on everyday experiences rather than professional contexts.
WORKSHOPS BOOKING NOW:
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 12:30-2:30pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
Societal expectations, bodily changes, and sensory profiles can make puberty a particularly challenging period for autistic girls and young people as they navigate a world that can feel unwelcoming. The constant pressure to meet neuronormative standards can leave us feeling out of place, but it also inspires creative ways of understanding and expressing our unique identities.
Learning to read and respond to our bodies and sensory needs, managing hormonal fluctuations, and accessing appropriate autistic sexual health and wellbeing education are essential steps—yet support is often lacking. This session aims to offer both insight and practical strategies for supporting autistic girls and young people through puberty, celebrating their strengths and fostering positive experiences.
Cost: £10 - £65
Date: Tuesday 17th March 6:30-8:30pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
This session is open to anyone looking to increase their knowledge and understanding of Autism and ADHD (AuDHD), and a be a better ally to the AuDHD people in their life.
More than the sum of its parts, AuDHD is a unique neurotype with different strengths and challenges. During this session, we will draw from the knowledge, learning and experiences of the AuDHD community to explore how we can best practice allyship
Cost £10-£65
Date: Tuesday 12th May 6:30-8:30pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
This autistic-led session is open to anyone looking to increase their foundational knowledge and understanding of the everyday experiences of autistic women, girls and non-binary people and how best to support them. During this session, we will draw from the knowledge, learning and experiences of the autistic community, exploring topics including:
- Autistic identity, and developing positive autistic identity, including language, stigma, validation and masking
- Intersectionality
- Neurodiversity
- Myths and misunderstandings
- The autistic spectrum, labels and spikey profiles
- Monotropism
- Importance of belonging and authentic connections
- Managing and working with energy levels- burnout, boundaries and expectations
- Sensory experiences and safe environments
- Autistic communication & empathy
- The importance of allyship in practice
Cost £10-£65
Date: Thursday 27th August 6:30-8:30pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
This session aims to equip participants with a deeper awareness of the unique ways autistic individuals experience and navigate the world, and how internal experiences and external responses and attitudes shape their sense of self, safety, and wellbeing. Attendees will develop practical skills to recognise challenges, support day-to-day wellbeing, and take effective action as allies. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to identify common barriers to wellbeing for autistic women and non-binary people, recognise strategies for effective self-care, and understand how to provide meaningful allyship.
Cost £10-£65
Date: Thursday 22nd October 7pm-9pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
Societal expectations, bodily changes, and sensory profiles can make puberty a particularly challenging period for autistic girls and young people as they navigate a world that can feel unwelcoming. The constant pressure to meet neuronormative standards can leave us feeling out of place, but it also inspires creative ways of understanding and expressing our unique identities.
Learning to read and respond to our bodies and sensory needs, managing hormonal fluctuations, and accessing appropriate autistic sexual health and wellbeing education are essential steps—yet support is often lacking. This session aims to offer both insight and practical strategies for supporting autistic girls and young people through puberty, celebrating their strengths and fostering positive experiences.
Cost: £10 - £65
Date: Thursday 3rd December 12:30-2:30pm
Who should attend?: SWAN Workshops are for anyone who wishes to learn more about the everyday experiences autistic people, whether as an ally (families, friends, carers, colleagues and supporters) or a professional.
What will the workshop cover?
This autistic-led session is open to anyone looking to increase their foundational knowledge and understanding of the everyday experiences of autistic women, girls and non-binary people and how best to support them. During this session, we will draw from the knowledge, learning and experiences of the autistic community, exploring topics including:
- Autistic identity, and developing positive autistic identity, including language, stigma, validation and masking
- Intersectionality
- Neurodiversity
- Myths and misunderstandings
- The autistic spectrum, labels and spikey profiles
- Monotropism
- Importance of belonging and authentic connections
- Managing and working with energy levels- burnout, boundaries and expectations
- Sensory experiences and safe environments
- Autistic communication & empathy
- The importance of allyship in practice
Cost £10-£65
In-House Training
Our in-house training, presentations and consultancy work can be tailored to suit the needs of your organisation - our clients tell us this is one of the key benefits of working with SWAN, alongside our lived-experience trainers.
- How long does a training session last?
This is a broad and complex topic, so we recommend a 2-3 hour session to cover everything in enough detail to be of value. Shorter sessions can be accommodated but there will be less time for valuable discussions and exploration.
Training sessions can be standalone or run over more than one session depending on your needs - this could include an introductory session, followed by a specialist session tailored to your service, or a follow-up to build on identification and implementation of inclusive practices and environments.
- What will the training cover?
We will work with you to identify your needs and existing levels of knowledge and experience, and develop a session specific to your context.
Topics we cover regularly include:
- Introduction to Autism
- Increasing Understanding of Autism
- Understanding and Supporting Autistic Wellbeing
- Building Connections: Communication, Empathy and Relationships
- Neurodiversity and Inclusive Healthcare settings
- Supporting Autistic Adults In Mental Health Crisis
- Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces: Beyond Reasonable Adjustments
- Autism and Eating Disorders
- Autism and Trauma
- Autistic Experiences of Pregnancy, Childbirth & Early Parenting (1/2 day training or 9 hour course)
- Providing Quality Care and Support for Autistic Individuals
- Designing and Developing Neuro-Inclusive Events and Activities
- Understanding Neurodiversity in Further Education
- Growing Up Autistic: Understanding and Supporting Autistic Girls and Non-Binary Young People (suitable for education or community settings)
- How is the training delivered?
Online
We predominantly use Zoom but can accommodate other platforms, and we prefer all participants to join from individual devices where possible. We build in breaks, offer Closed Captions and text chat and will work with you to ensure our training is accessible to your needs. We always encourage questions and discussion.
In Person
We are delivering most of our training online at the moment as it is inclusive for our autistic trainers and means we can reach any geographic area, but we can offer in-person training depending on location. please contact us to discuss.
- How much does it cost?
We charge on a sliding scale for in-house training depending on the size of your organisation and how much you would like us to tailor the content to your specific needs - please contact us to discuss.
Costs for our open training sessions can be found in the 'Upcoming Training' section.
Increasing understanding and inclusion of autistic women and girls is very important to us so we will always do our best to accommodate the budgets of small organisations.
The cost of your training provides employment for autistic trainers and supports SWAN’s work with autistic women, girls and non-binary people.
- How can I book?
Contact us for more information or to discuss your training needs: training@swanscotland.org
About SWAN training
Delivered by autistic professionals & informed by lived experience
SWAN training is delivered by autistic professionals, and informed by academic and community research and over 10 years' experience of working with autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland.
In addition to our professional expertise, we develop our training in consultation with our network of over 1500 autistic women and non-binary people so all of our training includes direct input and examples of lived experience relevant to the topics covered.
All SWAN training starts with an introduction to autism and autism inclusion, with a focus on the lived experiences of autistic women, girls and non-binary people.
We also deliver specialist Professional Development Training focused on understanding and inclusion in specific contexts. Topics we cover regularly include:
- Increasing Understanding of Autism
- Understanding and Support Autistic Wellbeing
- Building Connections - Communication, Empathy and Relationships
- Neurodiversity and Inclusive Healthcare settings
- Supporting Autistic Adults In Mental Health Crisis
- Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces - Beyond Reasonable Adjustments
- Autism and Eating Disorders
- Autism and Trauma
- Autistic Experiences of Pregnancy, Childbirth & Early Parenting (1/2 day or 9 hour course)
- Providing Quality Care and Support for Autistic Individuals
- Designing and Developing Neuro-Inclusive Events and Activities
- Understanding Neurodiversity in Further Education
- Growing Up Autistic - Understanding and Supporting Autistic Girls and Non-Binary individuals - suitable for education or community settings
Whilst our training focuses on autistic women, girls and non-binary people, much of what you will learn is relevant for all autistic people, as well as many other neurodivergent people.
We offer a calendar of Training for Professionals and Workshops for Allies on specific topics throughout the year which individuals book to attend. Details can be found in the 'Training Calendar' and 'Workshops Calendar' drop-down sections above.
All of our training sessions can also be delivered in-house for your organisation - see 'In-House Training' for more information.
This training needs to be rolled out nationally. The expertise of the team is vast
Most educational and enlightening thing I have been to all year - cannot tell you how helpful it was
It's brilliant to have authentic training from an autistic person, all the examples make it much more real and accessible.
So much to take away and think about. Having this information will make a difference to the way we work.
So much more positive and strengths based. It made autism real and day to day. Coming from an autistic person made it invaluable and authentic.
I really wish I had heard your workshop so much earlier in my career. It would have helped a great many people I have worked with, so insightful.