SWAN – Scottish Women’s Autism Network
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Why is it a good practice of the Person-Centered Model?
SWAN is a support network in Scotland that is primarily aimed at supporting autistic women, girls, and non-binary people. This network provides spaces to support them and address the unique experiences and specific challenges they may encounter due to autism (e.g. masking or late or non-existent diagnosis). SWAN also works to educate and empower others in the autism community and society at large, promoting greater inclusion and understanding. SWAN is a clear example of the person-centred model because it prioritises the individual voices, needs, and experiences of autistic women, girls, and non-binary people in the spectrum. Its approach not only seeks to offer practical and emotional support but also to empower them to lead their lives and actively participate in the creation of inclusive projects and spaces.
Personalised Care and Support Plan for the Life Project
SWAN emphasises the importance of recognising and valuing neurodiversity, encouraging organisations and communities to adopt person-centred approaches. SWAN does not develop personalised intervention plans, but offers support groups and trainings led by autistic people to support life projects.
Support groups
SWAN organises a variety of events and activities, both face-to-face and online, including local meet-up groups, online peer support, pre- and post-diagnosis groups, and wellness webinars. These groups provide spaces for autistic women, girls and non-binary people to better understand each other, connect with others, and learn and support each other, without the pressure to mask to fit in.
Case Management and Resource Coordinator
The network provides information and resources designed and produced by and for autistic women, girls and non-binary people, based on their work, what they learn from their network and autistic-led research. In addition, SWAN offers autistic-led training to improve the understanding and inclusion of autistic women, girls and non-binary people, and works directly with organisations to help them achieve greater inclusion and autistic-informed service design and delivery.
Highlined results
SWAN has achieved the following outcomes: (1) Establishing a support network for autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland since 2012; (2) Providing autistic-led training to improve understanding and inclusion in a range of organisations; and (3) Providing resources and events that enable autistic people to connect, learn and support each other in a safe and friendly environment.
Inspiring ideas for other enviorments. It can works! 😉
The network is an example of an autistic-led organisation that can provide training and resources that promote understanding and inclusion, adaptable to diverse cultural and social contexts and foster collaboration between organisations and the autistic community to achieve shared goals.