There are many youth clubs, social activities and groups in and around Bristol for young people with Autism Spectrum Condition and/or learning difficulties. Here is a list of those we know of. See also play activities for autistic children and sport activities for children with autism.
AppleShed Inclusive Theatre
An inclusive theatre and drama club for young people with learning difficulties. Click here to learn more
Auti.Ms
The remit of Auti.Ms is to increase awareness of autism in females. They run some social activities for young women.
Visit their website
Bristol Autism Project
BAP run activities in school holidays for children and young people aged 5-18. Not necessarily a social club, as parents/carers are expected to stay with their children. Click here for more information
Butterflies Haven
Butterflies Haven offers support for parents and carers of children and young autistic people, with or without a diagnosis. Based in Keynsham. They run various activities for both children and parents, offering practical and emotional support. Click here for more information.
Diverse
Diverse aims to provide social contact and activities for people (aged 16+) who identify as autistic and who often find social interaction and communication difficult. Click here for more information
Elm Tree Farm
Provides opportunities for children and young people with learning disabilities and autism to try new things and experience outdoors learning. Click here to learn more
Extraordinary Links
An inclusive charity catering for SEN and disabled children as well as their families. Click here for more information.
FACE Filton
FACE run a range of groups including The Hangout and Epic Wednesdays for young people aged 13-25. Click here for more information
Incredible Kids
Incredible Kids are still running outdoor play sessions for children and young people. They now have a teen session and one for just girls. To find out what’s happening with this, email contact@incrediblekids.org.uk
Misfits
Misfits are a theatre and social group for people over 18 with learning difficulties. They run a monthly disco at the Trinity Centre. Click here for more information
National Autistic Society Bristol Branch
Autism friendly family swimming sessions. Find out more here.
Neon Daisy
A positive group for parents and carers to arrange groups and meet-ups for neurodiverse girls with an autistic profile. Click here for more details.
Nothing Special
An organisation designed to help and support people with disabilities and additional needs. We organise events, activities, discos and work with other organisations and companies to encourage friendships and fitness. Click here to visit the Nothing Special website
Number 65
An ASD youth group is held at 65 High Street in Nailsea. Click here for more details.
Off the Record (OTR)
OTR offers mental health support for young people (not just those with SEND) aged 11-25. They run drop-in ‘hubs’ in Bristol and Yate. For more information, please click here
Out of School Clubs
Out of school clubs are now run by Wecil and Face Filton. Here are the links to WECIL young persons group and Youth services – WECIL – Supporting Independent Living
Pitstop
Student volunteers take teenagers with learning disabilities on day trips, among other things. Click here to visit their website
Social Skills Agency
Run a variety of groups designed to help autistic young people gain social skills and confidence. Click here to visit their website
Special Friends Club
Organises a wide range of activities around Bristol. Click here to visit their website
Super Sense – Imperial Sports Ground
A large sensory room specifically designed for children with special educational needs. Open daily booking required.
Click here to visit website
Umbrella Singers
An inclusive learning disabled and autism-friendly choir for ages 16+. Meets weekly.
Email: Kate at umbrellamusicbristol@gmail.com
University of Bristol Phab
Phab runs social activities for young disabled and nondisabled people aged 16-25. Click here to learn more
WECIL
WECIL run a number of groups all around the city including evening youth group sessions for young people aged 13-19 and an excellent play scheme for children aged 5-12 which also includes a lending library. Click here to learn more
Adults & Young People
If you’re after information on what’s available for autistic adults, check out our post: Services for Autistic Adults in Bristol
What is and isn’t available is constantly changing, and the Well Aware website was made to keep all this information in one place, so please have a look at their website to see everything we’ve missed.
[…] telling a child about their diagnosis can also open doors. For example, there are a great many clubs and groups for children with additional needs in and around […]