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Autistic Parents UK

@autisticparentsuk.org
342 followers 372 following 220 posts

The only national, Autistic-led charity supporting parents who are Autistic themselves, with children of any neurotype. We offer a range of peer support services, events, training and resources: www.autisticparentsuk.org

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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 27/04/2026
Practical Peer Support for Life’s Never-Ending Tasks. Our Peer Assistance service will provide practical, side-by-side support for #Autistic parents. Focusing on reducing the overwhelm by assisting with administrative tasks and daily planning.
Geometric style watercolour background in bright colours with the words “coming soon Peer Assistance” written over the top. The Autistic Parents UK Logo is in the bottom right corner.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 24/04/2026
Group peer support is really valuable because it brings together people who understand each other through shared lived experience. Being part of a peer-led space can make it feel easier to open up, feel heard, and realise you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
“Having access to a friendly, like-minded group of parents for informal chat and support has really helped me feel less alone in my experiences and thoughts.” - a quote from our peer support service
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 22/04/2026
Our next text-based peer support group is taking place on 29th April. The session will be held on Google Meet, with cameras and microphones switched off. We’ll use the chat function to communicate, creating a calm and low-pressure space to connect.
Text Based Peer Support Group, Wednesday 29th of April, 7.30pm-8.30pm. To join email groups@autisticparentsuk.org. The Text surrounds a group of colourful cartoon drawings of speech bubbles.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 20/04/2026
Want to know which peer support groups we’re running each month? Visit our website to check out our regularly updated calendar with all upcoming groups and their times. You can also stay in the loop by signing up for our newsletter and getting all the details sent straight to your inbox.
A hand holding a phone showing the Autistic Parents UK Website. It is highlighting the Peer Support, small groups page. 

The bold text at the top of the image says, “Want to know what groups are running?”
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 17/04/2026
📅 Save the date! Our AGM is coming up and we’d love for you to join us. It’s a chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved together and look ahead to what’s next. #ActuallyAutistic
Autistic Parents UK, AGM 2026 is written on a calendar showing the date 7th of June.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 14/04/2026
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣 Tigger Pritchard will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of late diagnosis, internalised ableism, and reframing a lifetime of experiences.
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A. From Autistic Boy to Autistic Dad. Tanya Adkin & Tigger Pritchard.  Tuesday 14th April  7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 13/04/2026
A reminder that the #Autistic Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond video series is available to view on our website.
Resources for Pregnancy and Birth. Find over 100 videos from The Autistic Pregnancy, birth, and beyond project on our website.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 10/04/2026
💻Live Q&A - From Autistic Boy to Autistic Dad: Tigger Pritchard on late diagnosis, internalised ableism, and reframing a lifetime of experiences.
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A. From Autistic Boy to Autistic Dad. Tanya Adkin & Tigger Pritchard.  Tuesday 14th April  7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 09/04/2026
Recruiting parents for anonymous online research! We are inviting new parents, who have given birth in the past 12 months, to take part in an anonymous online research study exploring experiences of parenthood, specifically: thoughts that can occur during the postnatal period.
Given birth in the past 12 months?

If so, you’re invited to take part in our online study on postpartum thoughts.  We are exploring what factors may predict the experience of sudden, unwanted thoughts, to better understand and support new parents.

Who can take part?  
All parents who:
Have given birth in the past 12 months
Are aged 18+
Can read and understand English
Are based in the UK

Study Details
Taking part in this study involves completing an anonymous online survey
It takes 20-30 minutes to complete
Your contribution will guide understanding and tailored support for individuals experiencing unwanted postpartum thoughts
You could win a £20 Amazon voucher for taking part!

Questions?  Please contact the research team: Elise Panks (Principal Researcher) at e.panks@uea.ac.uk
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 03/04/2026
An Autistic parent is anyone who holds caring responsibilities for a child and identifies as #Autistic themselves. We know that families don’t all look the same, and they shouldn’t have to.
The text on the image reads: “How do we define an Autistic Parent? 

An Autistic parent is anyone who holds caring responsibilities for a child and identifies as Autistic themselves. We recognise that all forms of family are valid.”

Below, nine purple circles list different parenting roles and experiences They read:

Birth parents
Adoptive parents
Foster carers
Step parents
Kinship carers and guardians
Parents of children aged 18+
Parents living apart from their children
Parents who have experienced pregnancy and child loss
Autistic people trying to conceive

www.autisticparentsuk.org
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 01/04/2026
Are you an #Autistic parent of a child under 5? 💛 Join our friendly, supportive peer group, created just for you. Our sessions are led by Autistic parents with lived experience, offering a space where you can feel understood, share openly, and connect with others who get it.
A woman holding a small child on her lap. The child is holding a large book. Text Reads “Parenting Birth - 5 Years. Peer Support Group. Next Group Wednesday 22nd April 1.30 pm-2.30 pm”
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 31/03/2026
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣 Jess Garner will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of #Autistic Joy. This may include how we experience Autistic joy ourselves as Autistic adults, as well as our Autistic children.
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Autistic Joy. Tanya Adkin & Jess Garner.  Tuesday 31st March 7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 27/03/2026
Would you like to help shape the future of Autistic Parents UK? We’re looking for dedicated individuals with lived experience of being an #Autistic parent to join our Board of Trustees.
Colourful promotional graphic for Autistic Parents UK featuring abstract watercolor circles and the organisation’s logo. The text reads “Trustee Opportunities. Join our Board of Trustees and support our mission to empower and improve the wellbeing of Autistic parents and their families.

This is a chance to contribute your skills and expertise and really make a difference.

Find out more
www.autisticparentsuk.org/become-a-trustee”
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 24/03/2026
💻Live Q&A - Autistic Joy Jess Garner will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of #Autistic Joy. This may include how we experience Autistic joy ourselves as Autistic adults, as well as our Autistic children. 🗓️Tuesday 31st March at 7pm.
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Autistic Joy. Tanya Adkin & Jess Garner.  Tuesday 31st March  7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 19/03/2026
🌟 Building a Positive & Supportive Community 🌟 We're so grateful for the incredible community that has grown around our charity. We love seeing the discussions, shared experiences, and support that flourishes both within our group and across our social media platforms.
Several people holding hands, creating a sense of community and togetherness.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 17/03/2026
Autistic Parents UK is often mistaken for a support service for parents of #Autistic children, and we are met with surprise when we clarify that Autistic Parents UK is for parents who are Autistic themselves and parents to children of all neurotypes. www.autisticparentsu...
A parent with a cheerful expression holds a small child on their shoulders, both sharing a joyful experience while outdoors.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 12/03/2026
A recording of our Q&A on the topic of #Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services with Tanya Adkin and guest Laura Richmond is now available on YouTube. So if you missed it live, you can now catch up anytime! Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watc...
Autistic Parents UK.  YouTube Q&A Recording.  Autistic Parenting & Mental Health with Tanya Adkin & Laura Richmond.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 10/03/2026
Celebrations and special events can be challenging for #Autistic people. This includes Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer and community in Islam. This Ramadan flipbook by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) is a great resource: 👉 heyzine.com/flip-boo... @semascot.bsky.social
Golden lanterns and stars on a light grey background with the Autistic Parents UK logo.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 05/03/2026
The government published details of how it wants to reform schools and SEND, in a white paper called ‘Every child achieving and thriving’ along with a consultation asking for views on these proposals. www.gov.uk/governmen... . The consultation is open until 18th May if you wish to submit your views.
School stationery items on a yellow background with the Autistic Parents UK logo in the bottom left corner.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 03/03/2026
📣 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY 📣 Autistic Mothers & Children's Social Work Study We are looking for #Autistic mothers who can say "YES" to all: ✅ Are mothers, including birth mothers, stepmothers, same-sex partners, adoptive mothers, foster carers, or kinship carers, etc. 1/4
Poster advertising Autistic Mothers & Children's Social Work Study - full text is in the post.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 25/02/2026
✨ Something important is coming up… ✨ Save the Date for our AGM! This is more than a meeting, it’s a chance for our community to come together, celebrate what we’ve achieved, and shape what happens next. As a user-led organisation, your voice truly matters. Stay tuned for more details!
APUK AGM.  Sunday 7th June 2026 at 10am.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 12/02/2026
Our Live Q&A earlier this week with guest Laura Richmond was on the subject of Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services. Also on this topic we’d like to share this blog post about #Autistic Mental Health. 1/4
A hand reaches up from the sea.  Image is superimposed with the Autistic Parents UK logo.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 11/02/2026
The government has published its response to the House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee report. The response highlights work that is already underway, but only makes vague promises about what changes might be made from the recommendations made by the House of Lords Select Committee. 1/3
Photo of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben with the Autistic Parents UK logo superimposed at the top left.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 10/02/2026
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣 Laura Richmond will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services. #Autistic 1/4
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services. Tanya Adkin & Laura Richmond.  Tuesday 10th February at 7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 09/02/2026
📣 We are hiring! 📣 Join our team at Autistic Parents UK and make a difference. We're seeking a Strategic Development & Growth Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team. Find out more: www.autisticparentsu... #CharityJobs #Hiring
Autistic Parents UK.  We’re Hiring! Join our team at Autistic Parents UK and make a difference.
We're seeking a Strategic Development & Growth Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team.  
Find out more: autisticparentsuk.org/work-with-us
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 05/02/2026
In May 2021 Kieran Rose (The Autistic Advocate). Ruth, Jules, and Rachel from Autistic Parents UK explored #Autistic Mental Health in parenthood. They talked about Autistic burnout and what it’s really like dealing with mental health services. 1/3
Autistic Parents UK. YouTube Q&A Recording. Exploring Autistic Mental Health with Kieran Rose.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 04/02/2026
Paracetamol in Pregnancy A major new review published in the Lancet has shown that taking paracetamol in pregnancy does not increase the chances of the baby being Autistic or having ADHD. 1/3
Autistic Parents UK.  Paracetamol in Pregnancy.  Update.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 03/02/2026
💻Live Q&A - Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services 🗓️Tuesday 10th February at 7pm. Laura Richmond will be joining @tanyaadkin.bsky.social live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services. 1/6
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Autistic Parenting & Mental Health Services. Tanya Adkin & Laura Richmond.  Tuesday 10th February at 7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 02/02/2026
We love this Autistic Barbie customisation by one of our Facebook group members! (Shared with permission): So, I got myself Autistic Barbie. And then I set about with some customisations...because toys are to be played with! First, a haircut. 1/7
Autistic Barbie doll customised with short hair, purple ear defenders and sunflower lanyard.Autistic Barbie doll customised with short hair, purple ear defenders, homemade glasses, green fidget spinner and AAC device painted silver to represent a phone, and wearing a soft hoody and jeans.Autistic Barbie doll customised with purple ear defenders, sunglasses and AAC device painted silver to represent a phone, and wearing a soft hoody with the hood up and comfy trousers.Autistic Barbie doll customised with purple ear defenders, fidget spinner and AAC device painted silver to represent a phone, and wearing a soft hoody with the hood up and comfy trousers.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 29/01/2026
New Blog Post: Misinterpreting Autistic Advocacy as Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) - How misunderstanding, systems-generated trauma, and safeguarding practice harmed my family - by Claire Lux. Read now: www.autisticparentsu... #ActuallyAutistic 1/4
Autistic Parents UK: New Blog Article.  Misinterpreting Autistic Advocacy as Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII)
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 28/01/2026
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, Friday at 1pm 📣 Join our Live Q&A session to find out about #volunteer opportunities with us and get all your questions answered! Event Details: 📅 Date: Friday 30th January ⏰ Time: 1.00pm 📍Location: Online (link will be provided upon registration) 1/4
Autistic Parents UK.  Live Q&A.  Volunteering with Autistic Parents UK. Friday 30th January 1pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 27/01/2026
At Autistic Parents UK, accessibility is very important to us. We are growing as a charity, and we aim to be user-led as we improve and develop our offerings. So we’d love to get your input. Our peer support takes place via video call, but we are flexible on how this works in practice. 1/3
Autistic Parents UK - Accessibility.  Icons represent a range of different types of people.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 22/01/2026
New Blog Post: Monotropism as an Autistic Parent Monotropism is a neurodiversity-affirming theory of autism, developed by Autistic people, that explains many common Autistic experiences. Parenting as a monotropic Autistic person brings both challenges and strengths. 1/4
Autistic Parents UK - New Blog Article: Monotropism as an Autistic Parent
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 21/01/2026
💬Join Our Live Q&A: Volunteering with APUK! Curious about volunteering with us? Want to know what opportunities are available, what training we provide, and what it’s really like to be part of our team? Join our Live Q&A session and get all your questions answered! #Autistic 1/4
Autistic Parents UK.  Live Q&A.  Volunteering with Autistic Parents UK. Friday 30th January 1pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 20/01/2026
‼️POSTPONED‼️ Our Live Q&A with Tanya Adkin & Bobbi Elman has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any disappointment and will let you know as soon as we have a new date.
Autistic Parents UK.  Live Q&A.  Postponed.  Hyper Empathy.  Tanya Adkin & Bobbi Elman.  Tuesday 20th January 7pm
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 15/01/2026
💻 ONLINE PEER SUPPORT GROUPS 💻 Our peer support groups give #Autistic parents the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Groups run either once a month or once a fortnight. Here is a list of some of our upcoming groups. Find out more: www.autisticparentsu... 1/2
Autistic Parents UK.  Peer Support Discussion Groups.  Friday 16th January 10.00am - General Discussion Group. Sunday 18th January 13.00pm - Autistic identity group. Tuesday 27th January 19.30pm - Parenting Teens Group.  Friday 30th January 10.30am - Recently/Self-Diagnosed Group.  Wednesday 4th February 19.00pm - EHCPs and working with professionals group.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 13/01/2026
💻Live Q&A - Hyper Empathy Bobbi Elman will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Hyper Empathy. This may include hyper empathy in ourselves as Autistic adults, as well as our Autistic children. #Autistic 🗓️Tuesday 20th January at 7pm. 1/5
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Hyper Empathy. Tanya Adkin & Bobbi Elman.  Tuesday 20th January at 7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 08/01/2026
Want to stay in the loop for 2026? We share all our upcoming live Q&As and links to past recordings in our email newsletter, straight to your inbox. 📩 Sign up on our website (scroll to the bottom for the signup form) 👉 www.autisticparentsu...
A brown envelope with an @ symbol peeking out on a light blue background, superimposed with the Autistic Parents UK logo
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 04/01/2026
A new year, the same mission: supporting Autistic parents. As 2026 begins, our commitment to Autistic parents remains at the heart of everything we do. We’re excited about our plans for the year ahead, including: 1/4
An abstract painting of an infinity symbol, with the Autistic Parents UK logo at the top
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 20/12/2025
We’d like to wish all our followers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and say a huge thanks for every like, comment and follow this year. Our staff and volunteers will be slowing down for the next week or so, and it may take a little longer than usual for posts... 1/3
Close-up of Christmas tree with pine cone and fairy lights.  Autistic Parents UK.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 18/12/2025
Many thanks to this APUK member for the lovely feedback on our peer support service: “Taking part in the peer support sessions has been brilliant. I was nervous for the first session and not sure what to expect but so glad I did it as it has had a hugely positive impact on me and my parenting. 1/2
It has had a hugely positive impact on me and my parenting.  I feel more confident in myself and how I parent.They put you at ease straight away and it’s so good to speak to someone who gets it and shares many of the same challenges
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 17/12/2025
Want to make sure you never miss our live Q&As? We share all our upcoming online sessions and links to past recordings in our email newsletter, straight to your inbox. 📩 If you want to stay in the loop, sign up on our website (scroll to the bottom for the signup form) 👉 www.autisticparentsu...
A brown envelope with an @ symbol peeking out on a light blue background, superimposed with the Autistic Parents UK logo
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 16/12/2025
A recording of our Q&A on the topic of Monotropism with Tanya Adkin and guest Helen Edgar @autisticrealms.bsky.social is now available on YouTube. So if you missed it live, you can now catch up anytime! Check it out here: youtu.be/KfWlJa3FqXw...
Autistic Parents UK.  YouTube Q&A Recording.  Monotropsim with Tanya Adkin & Helen Edgar
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 11/12/2025
Would you like to support Autistic Parents UK and the work we do? Here’s how you can help! ♥️ DONATE: Make a one-off or monthly donation via Paypal: www.paypal.com/donat... or contact us for our bank details. 1/4
Autistic Parents UK.  Community and Acceptance.  Six hands reach in to make a heart shape together in the centre of the image.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 10/12/2025
Connection over Perfection: Making Christmas Work for You and Your Family While Christmas can be a time of joy for many, for #neurodivergent people it can feel overwhelming. There is a shift in pace, sensory sensitivities to navigate, as well as holiday traditions and expectations. 1/2
A mother and two children with reindeer antlers laugh joyfully on a couch. A Christmas tree with lights glows softly in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 09/12/2025
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣 Bex Milgate will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Navigating The Holiday Season. This may include navigating the holiday season ourselves as Autistic adults, or with our Autistic children. 1/3
Autistic Parents UK. Live Q&A.  Navigating The Holiday Season. Tanya Adkin & Bex Milgate.  Tuesday 9th December at 7.00pm.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 05/12/2025
On this International Volunteer Day we would like to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers, past and present. We wouldn’t be where we are today as a charity without all their hard work and dedication. ♥️♥️♥️ #IVD2025 1/3
Two hands holding out a post it note with the words “Thank You!!!” and a red heart
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 04/12/2025
💻 ONLINE PEER SUPPORT GROUPS 💻 Our peer support groups give #Autistic parents the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Groups run either once a month or once a fortnight, depending on popularity. You can self-refer: www.autisticparentsu... 1/2
Autistic Parents UK.  Peer Support Discussion Groups.
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 02/12/2025
Sign up to support Autistic Parents UK on the easyfundraising app today and we’ll get a £2 bonus! All you need to do is download the app and register a new account. This month only! www.easyfundraising.... 1/2
EasyFundraising.  How you can support us for free.  Download the EasyFundraising app.  Sign up as our supporter.  Once registered, we’ll get a £2 donation!  The Free £2 App-eal.  Limited £2s available.  Download - Register - Get £2
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Autistic Parents UK @autisticparentsuk.org · 27/11/2025
Thanks so much to everyone who has made a donation recently! We have now raised £270 so far towards our target of £1000. A special thank you to those who have set up a regular monthly donation - having this predictable source of income helps us so much. 1/5
Autistic Parents UK.  Fundraising Goal: £1000.  Donations: £270.  We’re 27% of the way there! Thank you for your support!
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