Beyond our institutional and policy work, SEMA’s impact is felt most directly in the lives of individuals who have never before had access to culturally relevant autism support. We have identified and supported struggling adults who questioned whether they were Autistic, guiding them through the assessment process. We have also provided one-to-one consultations in Urdu with South Asian parents navigating the challenges of supporting Autistic teenagers. Through community group training delivered across central Scotland, we have meaningfully reduced the stigma around the label of autism in communities where it remains deeply misunderstood.

SEMA has delivered in-person information sessions in Stirling (for madrasah volunteers and carers), in Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow, including the first translated explanations of Autistic experiences into Urdu for participants. We have also delivered community training for staff at NKS Edinburgh, a South Asian family group,  following which the organisation confidently supports Autistics and carers within their services. We have often found that several people  self-identified as Autistic and sought further advice for their children following

our training and information sessions. This highlights the need to communicate lived experiences that validate others experiences that they often don’t understand. 

SEMA runs a peer support WhatsApp group for adult Autistics, including those who are late identified. We also facilitate a carers support group where carers can bring questions directly to Autistic adults. Our community training, delivered in Urdu, continues to reach families who would otherwise have no access to autism information in their own language.