Full refurb for Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland
Formerly known as Grampian Autistic Society, the charity are now busier than ever
Last updated 5th May 2022
Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland have had a full refurbishment of their Aberdeen site, re-opening in April.
Formerly known as Grampian Autistic Society, the charity changed their name in order to be more inclusive or neurological differences.
CEO of the charity Billy Alexander said: "Our members and families and the people we support, children and adults, were all consulted through a 12 month strategic planning process.
"They want us to be autism specific, always, because that's the core in our origins, but also that neurodiversity needed to be added in because autism itself is not all that we support, we support a number of different neurological differences".
The refurbishment to their site on Cairnie Drive, Aberdeen, includes a soft play area, cinema room and sensory room, as well as gaming consoles and messy play areas.
Supported by Global E&C, the facility will be able to help more individuals and families than ever before.
"I couldn't be more proud of what the team have achieved with the support of Global E&C.
"The difference, fundamentally,is that we can support 50% more families, children and young people than we ever had before in our premises."
The CEO also told us how "emotional" the reaction to the refurbishment has been.
"When you see them actually utilise spaces they've never done before and play in ways they've never done before, which is only a positive thing for them, is the biggest and best reaction you can ever get.
"We had a young man who said that this is something like it was on another universe, and out of 10 he'd give it a million - I find it quite emotional."
The charity hopes to go from working with 150 autistic and neurodivergent people to 1,500 by 2027 after publishing a five-year strategic plan.
Mr Alexander added: "If we achieve what I've set out to achieve, we will support so many more individuals, people, families, who really do need the support, and I look forward to achieving that."