08/09/2026
The Autistic Collective CIC - East Renfrewshire have arranged this fantastic session!
If you’re interested in attending, check out their original post for all the details and to secure your place. 📅✨
Don’t miss out!
NEW ANNOUNCEMENT⭐ Trilogy of sessions with Aurora Autistic Consulting
Kicks off on Tuesday 6th October ⭐ ‘What does it mean to be Autistic really, and how can I be a better ally?’
You told us, and we listened…... incoming sessions based on YOUR most frequently requested topics
Open to parents, family carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire
We’re thrilled to have teamed up once again with Autistic Consultant, Author and Speaker Marion McLaughlin at Aurora Autistic Consulting.
This time around, we’ll be collaborating on a brand new trilogy of online sessions running across the Autumn.
Our FIRST OF THREE SESSIONS takes place on Zoom on Tuesday 6th October from 10.00am - 12.00pm.
‘What does it mean to be Autistic really, and how can I be a better ally?’ explores what it actually means to be Autistic.
We will separate fact from fiction and help to tool you up to discuss with your child (including adult children) what it means to be Autistic to them. This session will be followed by a short Q&A session and discussion.
Here at The Autistic Collective, we pride ourselves on being informed and guided by what we hear in feedback from our participants across East Renfrewshire.
True to form, Marion’s upcoming sessions will combine all YOUR most frequently requested topics, complemented by loads of research and other helpful insights, guidance and tips.
School, Demand Avoidance/ PDA, Burnout and mental health concerns are amongst the topics you most tell us you want to hear more about. As such, these topics will be woven throughout all three sessions.
On the 6th of October, ‘What does it mean to be Autistic really, and how can I be a better ally?’ explores what it actually means to be Autistic and will cover:
✨ What does it mean to be Autistic?
✨ Mythbusting
✨ What is the Autistic spectrum, including PDA?
✨ Monotropism
✨ Helping your child (of all ages) embrace their neurotype
✨ What does allyship mean?
This session is suitable for parents and carers, and professionals supporting folks of ALL AGES (including adults) and at ALL STAGES of their journeys and learning.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a separate registration process for each of the three sessions. A gentle wee reminder: you will need to register for each session as and when we announce them.
Our upcoming trilogy of sessions is made possible thanks to the support of the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, delivered locally by VAER The Community Hub East Ren and funded by The Scottish Government
⭐ WHO IS THIS SESSION FOR?
Parents and family carers in East Renfrewshire. You do not need a formal diagnosis to take part. You may simply be exploring to see if any of this fits for your family. We recognise everyone is at a different place on their journey.
We also welcome with open arms professionals in East Renfrewshire who support Autistic people and their families. As we all learn together, side by side.
We work hard to create safe (as can be) spaces to ensure ALL participants feel as comfortable as possible. Speakers and hosts (that's us) included.
Our events and activities are always informed and guided by what we hear from East Renfrewshire folks and speakers during sessions and afterwards in our feedback forms.
⭐ WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY?
This will be an informal Zoom session in a slide presentation format, packed with loads of info and research.
After brief introductions and a wee bit of Zoom housekeeping, Marion will work their way through their presentation slides. The slides section of the session will be recorded.
Once the slides have finished, we’ll stop the recording. There will be time for a short Q&A at the end.
Huge caveat - our speakers always endeavour to answer as many questions on the day, as they can. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, it’s simply not possible. We know you’re all extremely busy people, and we’ll be going for a 12.00pm finish.
Whilst some difficult themes may arise, we always aim for informative and empowering, in a nurturing environment. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, inclusive bunch.
⭐ HOW DO I REGISTER TO BOOK MY PLACE FOR THE SESSION ON 6th OCTOBER?
Please register to book your fully-funded place using the link below.
Register at www.autistic-collective.org
Note: This event is open to parents, carers and professionals in East Renfrewshire only.
Can’t join us live on the day itself? Don’t worry, please register anyway. All registrants will get access to the recording and extra resources afterwards.
Only the presentation slide section will be recorded.
Note: In the recording, the speaker will be the only person visible on your screen, and comments made in the chat box on the day will have been removed.
All participants’ autonomy, privacy and safety is utmost here at The Autistic Collective!
Any queries, or for further info please email [email protected]
⭐ WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND HOST?
MARION McLAUGHLIN
Marion is the Managing Director of Aurora Autistic Consulting, an initiative aiming to ensure that people, businesses, institutions and cultures understand the needs of the Autistic community.
In addition to being a late identified Autistic, Marion is a qualified Primary teacher and former charity CEO. Marion has significant experience of working with Autistic people of all ages and abilities on a wide range of issues ranging from supporting Autistic toddlers to preparing to move into a care home and a great many things in between.
An experienced trainer, Marion has experience working with senior leaders in a wide variety of settings to ensure the greatest possible inclusivity for Autistic people.
Marion founded and chairs Autistic Pride Aberdeen, hosting multiple events per year. Marion also released what they believe to be the first ever picture book on Autistic Pride earlier this year, Morven's First Autistic Pride.
Marion is also a member of the LGBT+ community and a passionate advocate for improved health care for Autistic people.
https://www.facebook.com/auroraautisticconsulting
THE AUTISTIC COLLECTIVE CIC
The Autistic Collective is a Not-For-Profit Community Interest Company, made up of a small team of passionate parent/carer volunteers.
We support parents and family carers - and anyone who supports Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people and their families in East Renfrewshire - through learning and empowerment.
We signpost to and collaborate with neuro-affirming Autistic/Neurodivergent-led organisations and speakers, authors and content creators to host learning events and activities to educate from the Autistic (and multiply Neurodivergent) lived-experience perspective.
Please check out and follow our page. Feel free to share with friends, family and professionals/colleagues. Your support means the world to us, as it allows us to reach more families in need.
https://www.facebook.com/AutisticCER
Poster design credit: Laura Gwafa The Marketing Department (TMD)
Big thanks, as always to Laura, James and Chris for all the wonderful support!
