Autistic Girls Network (Charity No: SC054837) is a UK charity dedicated to supporting autistic girls, women and non-binary young people, together with their families and carers. Its mission is to empower this community through education, resources and nurturing a positive sense of self, in order to help them thrive on their own terms. Autistic Girls Network is neurodivergent-led and committed to raising awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism as it presents in girls, women and non-binary individuals. The charity advocates for systemic change and works to shift social and professional narratives around internal or “hidden” autistic traits.
Established formally as a registered charity in Scotland in November 2021, Autistic Girls Network had been active since 2017. From its inception it adopted a co-production model, meaning services are designed in direct collaboration with the community the organisation serves. The organisation registers under the name Autistic Girls Network with matching registration in England and Wales, in addition to Scotland. Its governing document outlines objectives which include advancing education, relieving need, and fostering mutual support for autistic girls, including those undiagnosed or identifying as trans- or non-binary, as well as providing advice and services.
Key services include face-to-face peer support groups for autistic girls and gender-diverse youth aged between 9 and 25 where participants can be themselves in neuro-affirming settings. These groups are facilitated by neurodivergent leaders who understand the lived experience, all of whom undergo safeguarding training and DBS checks. Activities range from creative crafts, cooking and outdoor experiences, to discussion of life skills, autistic identity, friendships and emotional wellbeing. The charity also develops online and published resources, conducts training for health, social care, education professionals, and engages in research and advocacy to improve diagnostic pathways and professional understanding. Their white paper “Autism, Girls and Keeping it All Inside” and the Internal Profile of Autism Checklist are tools used by clinicians and educational psychologists nationwide.
Beneficiaries include autistic girls, women and non-binary young people themselves, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, and their families and carers. Impact is measured through annual reports that document reach across communities, growth in group numbers, and influence through professional training and public awareness. The charity reaches thousands of individuals annually through its website, social media, and face-to-face groups, while maintaining a small core staff team, supported by volunteers.
Governance is overseen by a Board of Trustees under a charitable trust framework. The organisation has clear objects laid out in its constitution, including promoting understanding among education, health and social care professionals, as well as fostering cooperation among families and carers. Being neurodivergent-led throughout its structure further ensures lived experience shaped decisions and strategy.
Looking ahead, Autistic Girls Network is scaling its model through strategies such as the Sanctuary Network campaign, expanding its face-to-face groups to cover more regions, growing its online school The Haven, and developing full pathways from childhood through to adult employment. The organisation continues to co-produce services and influence policy, working towards lasting impact and increased inclusion for autistic girls and their families.
