Halloween can be a fun time of year - but for many autistic children and their families, it can also bring anxiety and sensory challenges. Costumes, crowds, and unexpected knocks at the door can feel overwhelming. The Autism Support Ayrshire (National Autistic Society)  has shared some helpful tips to make Halloween more manageable and enjoyable for everyone 👻 🗺️ Plan Ahead with Visuals One great idea is to create a visual map  of your trick-or-treating route. This helps pr

Looking for connection and support? Come along to the East Ayrshire NAS Support Meeting – a friendly space for parents and carers to chat, share ideas and enjoy a cuppa ☕. 📍 Masonic Hall, Kilmarnock 🕖 Thursday 30th October | 7.15–8.15pm Children welcome (with supervision) Let’s build a stronger community together 💬👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

A social hangover is the exhaustion that follows social interaction. Learn what it means, how it shows up, and ways to cope.

🌊 This August, NEST is heading to the Isle of Arran with a series of free workshops – and a special session just for professionals. From understanding neurodiversity to practical tips for supporting Autism and ADHD, there’s something for everyone. Spaces are free but limited – book your place today!

Change isn’t always easy — especially for neurodivergent individuals.Our Coping With Change workshop offers practical tools, emotional support, and simple strategies to help make transitions feel safer and more manageable. Watch anytime, for free, at www.nest.scot/videos.

For many neurodivergent people, the world can feel like all-or-nothing — a good day or a disaster, a success or a total failure. This post explores why black-and-white thinking happens, how it can affect daily life, and what gentle support can look like.

Many neurodivergent individuals mask their true selves to fit in but at what cost? In this blog, we explore what masking is, why people do it, and how to build a world where it’s safe to be your authentic self.

🧠 Feeling emotionally drained or shut down? It could be more than just stress — it might be neurodivergent burnout. This isn’t about laziness. It’s about the toll of trying to keep up in a world that doesn’t work for your brain. 💙 Read our latest blog to understand the signs and how to support recovery.

👩‍👧‍👦 Free Teen Life Programme this June! A six-session course for parents and carers of autistic young people aged 10–16. Spaces are limited — book now via autismsupportayrshire@nas.org.uk.

Looking for support around autism in Ayrshire? Autism Support Ayrshire offers free, confidential advice, guidance, and connection — helping autistic individuals and their families feel heard and supported.

💜 Meet Celine, one of our inspiring project coordinators at NEST. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength, insight, and empathy that come with being neurodivergent. 🌟

🧠 Myth-Busting Monday: “Autism looks the same in everyone.” Let’s bust this myth and talk about the real diversity of autistic experiences—because no two autistic people are exactly alike.

Autism is a spectrum, not a stereotype. 🧠💙 Learn what autism really means, how it presents in daily life, and why recognising strengths is just as important as understanding challenges.