Social Club for teenagers with Asperger's Syndrome
In response to the extreme isolation experienced by young people with Asperger's Syndrome Lothian Autistic Society launched, in September 2007, our first Social Club. The Club runs every Wednesday evening and is currently attended by young people (12 to 18 years old) with
Asperger's Syndrome from across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The Social Club has proved to be a great success. It provides a safe environment in which social skills can be developed and confidence raised, while at the same time providing the young people with an opportunity to develop relationships with their peers on the spectrum in an environment where they can 'relax and be themselves'.
The Social Club acts as a 'rehearsal' and 'transition' space that enables the young participants to:
We aim to:
- meet and socialise with their peers once a week independent of parents/carers
- interact on their terms in a comfortable and safe environment
- access a range of different activities geared towards social interaction
- have fun, aiming to build confidence and self-esteem
- develop not only social but independent living skills, for example, going shopping and learning about money
- discuss issues that are important and relevant to them independent of their parents/carers
- move into a mainstream club, should they wish to, when some skills and confidence have been developed
Our Social Club runs every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Scotland Yard Adventure Centre.
If your son or daughter is between 13 and 18 years old, has Asperger's Syndrome and would like to attend our Club, then please contact us on 0131 661 3834 or office@lothianautistic.org to register your interest.
New! Primary Social Club
Due to the success of our Social Club for young people with Aspergers Syndrome, we have extended the service to provide a second club for younger children.
The new Primary Social Club will be held on Wednesdays from 4.30 pm to 6 pm at the Scotland Yard Adventure Centre in Edinburgh. If you are interested and have a child with Aspergers Syndrome who is aged between 8 and 12 years old, then please contact us on 0131 661 3834 or office@lothianautistic.org to register your interest.